Taxes are only within machine gun range!

Chapter 259 Great Harvest

After hanging up the phone, Milton boarded the plane, opened the control panel, and took stock of his overall gains from the trip.

These features will be unlocked once Vic completes the legislative process and incorporates Concordia into its territory.

First, there are various design drawings and planning functions—whether it's railway design or oil refinery design, the panel can provide a solution that ensures safety, efficiency, and interconnectivity.

Oil refineries, power transmission networks, railways, and future military production lines can be well protected and concealed in the mountainous terrain of Guatemala.

Immediately after securing victory, Milton sent the design drawings to the construction team and urged them to start construction as soon as possible, ideally completing the critical route within six months and the entire project within a year.

Such a massive project has had a significant impact on the economy. Cities that were once homeless after the war have now begun to experience a labor shortage, and workers' wages have increased slightly.

The Armory system is now available.

[Because many weapons' countries of origin have no export records or strictly restrict exports, they cannot be exchanged. However, the panel can be provided with a replica production line, with performance almost identical to the original, and only slight differences in appearance.]

[A-10 attack aircraft production line is now available for exchange]

Based on a comprehensive consideration of the tax official's territory, economic capacity, and talent pool, it will currently take at least 1 year and 6 months to roll out the first prototype after the exchange. Please exchange with caution.

A-10?!
Milton paused for a moment, rubbed his eyes, and made sure he wasn't seeing things.

It really is a warthog!
The counterfeit production line for this thing is now available for exchange!

However, after a moment of excitement, Milton calmed down and realized that this thing was not of any use to him at the moment.

Despite Milton's current SU-25 being touted as a direct competitor to the A-10, the two aircraft actually have significantly different battlefield roles.

As iconic close air support (CAS) attack aircraft of the two major military blocs of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union, they may seem like "low-altitude metal lumps" and powerful aerial firepower platforms, but due to their completely different military doctrines, combat systems and battlefield assumptions, they have developed into completely different attack aircraft.

The A-10 is designed around a single core objective—to tear apart armored targets and vehicles, hence its nickname "tank opener." In terms of ammunition, cannon shells make up a very high percentage, and its missions are highly specialized.

However, from the current perspective, the A-10 is more suitable for use in situations where the enemy's air defenses are completely paralyzed. The A-10 can demonstrate extremely high cost-effectiveness, completing military operations with high tactical value at a very low cost.

The A-10 is a node in the U.S. military's combat system, relying on battlefield information and other units to clear potential threats before conducting asymmetric warfare.

In other words, it's about crushing noobs.

The SU-25 is a product of Soviet aesthetics—the Soviet Union believed that attack aircraft must have "single-aircraft combat" capabilities, be able to take off and land in extreme environments, penetrate enemy defenses in harsh battlefield environments, and complete missions.

It is not just a tank opener; it is also used to destroy tanks, bombard fortifications, strike artillery, suppress air defense positions, and attack all high-value targets of the enemy.

After it became fully systematized, Milton preferred the US military's approach of having each piece of equipment excel at only one task.

But now, Milton has very few aircraft at his disposal, and there are countless missions that require air support. He needs this and that, so of course the SU-25 would be more useful.

"Hmm... we can start production gradually. Once it becomes a complete system, we can upgrade and replace it."

Milton nodded very slightly and continued to examine the new features unlocked on the panel.

[Equipment System Integration Function]

Upon seeing this line of text, Milton paused for a moment, then was overjoyed!
[It has been detected that the current equipment system of the tax officials is too mixed, combining Soviet, American, and Chinese systems. Considering the future need for independent equipment production, this indiscriminate use of foreign equipment will ultimately lead to logistical and systemic disasters.]

The panel will integrate the basic systems of all equipment (including IFF systems, communication system compatibility, language software, radar and missile compatibility, etc.)

Upon seeing this, Milton felt an unprecedented level of joy, one he had never experienced even when he acquired oil.

"This thing is incredibly powerful!"

Milton originally planned to spend a lot of money to integrate his equipment system before the next big battle, and choose a system of weapons as the main equipment.

Of course, the panel only integrates information; Milton still has to handle the logistics himself, but this can greatly alleviate the trouble of "all kinds of products"!
Milton continued looking down, and many of the following functions were ones he had seen before, such as "Battlefield Counter-Infiltration" and "Loot Repair."

This is the harvest after conquering cities and territories. Including readily available oil and electricity, the results are quite substantial.

Just then, Flora suddenly spoke up: "'Tax collector,' I think... our equipment is very good, but our talent pool is too small. Even if we have more equipment, it will be difficult to bring out its full potential."

The soldiers have been training very hard, but some things cannot be solved by hard work alone; time is also needed.

While the panel can provide the "hardware," it is powerless when it comes to this kind of software.

Milton frowned and rubbed his forehead: "I do know a place that has a lot of talent right now. As long as you pay the dollars, you won't have trouble poaching them."

Flora thought for a moment and asked, "Ukraine?"

“Yes.” Milton nodded. “The talent, equipment, technology, and all kinds of production lines you can imagine there can be bought as long as you have the money.”

"In the future, as their economy gradually recovers, such opportunities will become increasingly rare, making this a very precious window of opportunity."

"If we can recruit these technical experts and bring in experienced people from the former Soviet Union to train us, we can avoid many detours."

Flora gave a wry smile: "I know that... but the problem is, can we find so many people who are fluent in Russian and Ukrainian? Language communication is often a huge obstacle. The people we recruit are usually technical personnel. It's not enough for a translator to just know the language; often they also need to understand the technology themselves, otherwise they can't translate accurately."

"There are already few translators, and now you're limiting it to a technically skilled professional... Forgive my bluntness, but in your current controlled area, you can count the number of people who can do this on your fingers, and they could even do it with just one hand."

"Such a small number of people simply cannot meet our needs."

Yes... that's the biggest problem.

Milton currently has only this much territory and this many people... he can't even muster the talent to recruit!

This was a fatal flaw, and Milton couldn't think of a solution. He could only remain silent, open the panel, and search around aimlessly, somewhat unwilling to give up, hoping to find another way.

Suddenly, Milton glanced at "Language Integration" in the [Equipment System Integration Function].

His eyes lit up, and he quickly looked up what this language integration included.

Sure enough, not only will the language on the equipment be standardized to Spanish, but this language integration also includes some professional translation machines. The panel is specially designed so that there will be no inaccurate translations!
Although using translation machines for communication is still not efficient enough, it is better than not being able to do the work at all, and it is better than having incorrect translations.

It's good enough as long as it's passable.

Milton immediately said, "I will purchase a batch of professional translation machines, which will be able to handle things alright in the early stages, although the efficiency will be a bit low. Later, as our educational achievements begin to emerge, we can gradually make up for the efficiency problem."

"...What kind of translation machine is this? Is it really reliable? A lot of engineering concepts are translated very abstractly in general translations, sometimes even completely different from the original meaning. Are you sure these translation machines can translate these?"

“I’m sure.” Milton chuckled. “I’ll have logistics handle these things… You almost went bankrupt running a company, you should stick to fighting a war.”

"Sigh, this will be a stain on my life forever," Flora complained. "By the way, you just said you were going to help Winnie interrogate those two CIA agents. Are you in such a hurry? We just finished fighting, don't you want to rest?"

"It's Christmas, and you still have to work? Are you made of iron?"

Now that we've won the battle, it's impossible to say that the enemy is still plotting in the shadows—if they were truly capable, they would have won on the main battlefield long ago, instead of scheming in the gutter and only starting to make amends at this point.

So this matter may not be that urgent.

“These two aren’t CIA agents now; they’re probably employees of some security company with American citizenship… I was very careful, taking photos the whole way, one continuous shot, without stopping. The fact that they were carrying ‘drugs’ is undeniable,” Milton said slowly. “But the US will definitely continue to exert pressure to extradite American citizens to be tried there.”

"I don't want to offend the United States too much right now. The DEA is not a dumping ground for all sorts of garbage. I can't just dump whatever garbage I want into it. I've reached my current level and am almost at the DEA's limit."

"I also want to take a vacation, but I can't. I'd better be cautious and finish what I'm doing first."

Flora was curious: "So what method do you plan to use? The DEA isn't exactly a pushover either, and Winnie has a personal grudge against them. I bet she's already tried every method you can think of on them... What if they can actually hold out and end up in the US demanding extradition?"

At this time, the military aircraft had already crossed the border and arrived over Quetzaltenango.

Milton could already see the buildings on the ground.

You could even see a large crowd gathered on the ground, some celebrating the "Hell Tax Collector's" glorious victory in a foreign land, while others were celebrating Christmas.

buzzing...

Milton unbuckled his seatbelt and said, "Do you remember how I interrogated that cult leader?"

Flora was deeply impressed by the cult that was messing around near the nuclear waste.

Flora couldn't possibly forget the cult leader, who was a key figure in the construction of the "Jingguan" (a type of ancient Chinese structure).

Milton stood atop the mound of skulls, utterly crushing the cult leader on a religious level—a sight that deeply shocked Flora, who was observing it. "Of course I remember…hiss, you're planning to use that sensory deprivation technique on the CIA?" Flora asked. "The problem is, they're the inventors of this punishment; they must have countermeasures. Are you sure it will still work?"

“Don’t worry, they are the inventors, but that doesn’t mean that those who come after them can’t improve or surpass them,” Milton said slowly. “Perfect, let these ‘inventors’ test me, their junior, and see if my improved version suits their tastes.”

Flora was genuinely curious: "Wow, what are you planning to do?"

The last "sensory deprivation" was actually very rudimentary. If the cult leader hadn't never experienced it before and hadn't received special training from spies, he wouldn't have completely lost his mind.

After that experience, Milton learned from it and built a larger and more professional interrogation base outside Quetzaltenango, specifically for dealing with high-value prisoners of war.

The entire base covers a vast area, and in the absolute darkness, it is extremely difficult for the interrogated to maintain a straight line and thus very difficult to touch the walls.

The location is secluded enough, and the soundproofing has been greatly enhanced. All the walls are sealed with layers of soundproofing cotton, ensuring that you can't hear even the slightest sound if you put your ear to the ground.

Air filters ensure they can't smell even a trace of odor.

These buildings were naturally constructed by the hardened criminals and drug lords serving time in prison. Several drug dealers died during the construction process due to the high intensity of the work, which can be considered as making a contribution to society before their deaths.

During the construction, many well-fed and bored "adventurers" took a peek from afar, were chased away by the guards, and returned claiming that they had found the terrifying base where "hellish tax collectors" imprisoned tax evaders.

Since no one knew the name of the place, all sorts of bizarre stories circulated among the people. Eventually, everyone unanimously and jokingly called the place "Compassionate Restaurant".

In addition, to ensure that all senses other than touch can be effectively deprived, Milton also specially imported a batch of ACEI drugs—captopril, which are mainly used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and protect the kidney function of patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

Absolutely legal and compliant, available for purchase at major hospital pharmacies.

However, this drug has a very minor side effect.

That means it will suppress your sense of taste and smell!
Milton stepped off the plane and stretched: "You're on vacation, why are you worrying about this? Just enjoy your Christmas."

"Sigh!" Flora sighed. "Could you please not schedule such a fun thing for Christmas? I'm really annoyed. How many days of vacation do you owe me from the beginning?"

"..."

Milton didn't reply, got into his car, and took a good look at the city under his rule.

It was already afternoon, and the occasional explosions of fireworks could be heard from afar.

On the streets, many people were carrying out their usual pilgrimage processions, and many formed processions to dance and celebrate in the streets.

Even next to the train station that was about to be built, there was a huge Christmas tree, and several experts from China curiously touched it with their hands.

For them, these are sights that are not often seen in the country.

“They really have money now…” Flora looked out the window. “Fireworks aren’t cheap. In the past, no one would have been willing to buy something like that to celebrate.”

“I’ve already organized an official fireworks display,” Milton said. “They still have to set them off themselves. It’s really… I guess the fire department will have to do the work.”

Upon arriving at the Quetzaltenango Tax Office, Flora opened the door, got out of the car, and waved, "Alright, I'm going to have a drink now, time to go home!"

Milton waved casually, got up, took a gift box from the trunk, turned and walked towards an armored vehicle, sat down in his seat, and waved for the driver to move forward.

"Set off."

Without thinking, the driver instinctively asked, "Are we going to the 'Compassionate Restaurant'?"

Milton was taken aback: "What grand restaurant? I told you to go to the newly built interrogation facility. I'm going to interrogate the CIA. What restaurant do you want me to go to?"

The official name of this interrogation center was rather boring; it was just a place name plus "detention center." Milton didn't realize that some grand restaurant was actually an interrogation center.

The driver replied apologetically, "I'm sorry, Mr. 'Godfather'... everyone calls that place 'Compassionate Restaurant,' I'm used to calling it that."

“…You can use your creativity elsewhere, instead of making nicknames.” Milton’s lips twitched slightly. “That place is neither merciful nor a restaurant.”

Milton didn't even need to think about how outsiders would describe this courthouse in the future; they would simply say it was like a private seat in the "Mercy Restaurant."

"Okay, Mr. Godfather, I understand. I will definitely correct my behavior and stop calling you by your nickname!"

Milton, too lazy to complain anymore, enjoyed the bumpy ride and arrived at the "Compassionate Restaurant".

As Milton pushed open the door, he saw Winnie sitting in the lounge, twirling a small Santa hat in her hand.

"Any new findings from the interrogation?"

"You're really hardworking..." Winnie exclaimed. "The war just ended, and your own soldiers have all gone home for Christmas, right? And you still have to work?"

Milton placed the gift box on the table and calmly repeated, "Any new interrogation results?"

“Unfortunately, no… These CIA agents are rigorously trained and very tight-lipped; they're not so easy to break through.” Winnie looked around the room. “But what are you using such a large interrogation room for?”

"So you deserve to be suppressed by the CIA. Their interrogation techniques have advanced to such a high level, while you're still using the old methods." Milton waved his hand. "Perception limitations. If you don't know, just ask your superiors. Someone will definitely know."

“Sounds like something new…not bad, I hope you succeed.” Winnie put the Santa hat on the table and took out a file from the drawer. “This is our detailed interrogation process, including what torture was used, what questions were asked, how they responded, and what changes occurred in their facial expressions.”

"Now that you're in charge, the documents are yours. Just remember, if you find out anything, don't forget our share."

After saying that, Winnie glanced at the gift box on the table and teased, "Look at you, you're already here, why are you being so polite? It's so embarrassing, I didn't even prepare a gift for you."

Milton said expressionlessly, "You seem to have an excessive sense of self-importance. This gift isn't for you; it's for those two CIA agents inside."

"Haha, you really are a 'hellish tax collector'! I bet you didn't prepare any Christmas gifts for your subordinates, only for the CIA, right? Hahaha! You're really hilarious, really, really hilarious. Keep it up, and just don't die. I look forward to the day you're written into textbooks!"

Milton immediately replied, "I'm sorry, I gave each of my men an extra bonus totaling two months' after-tax salary. It's not that there were no Christmas gifts."

Winnie laughed so hard she almost fell over, waved her hand, and followed her subordinates off to enjoy their Christmas holiday.

The laughter and chatter soon came to an end.

As Winnie left and closed the door, the large interrogation room quickly returned to deathly silence and darkness. The security guards stood watch at the door, not uttering a sound.

Milton waited a moment in silence, then stood up and walked alone toward the cell where the two CIA prisoners were being held.

He really didn't want to celebrate, because on his way from Quetzaltenango to the Mercy Restaurant, he passed a cemetery.

The living are in charge of the celebration, while Milton, as the leader, will work overtime to avenge the dead.

After walking for a full minute and passing through several heavily guarded gates, Milton finally saw a glimmer of light from a fluorescent lamp and smelled a faint odor of blood.

He pushed open the interrogation room door, a sound that made the two tortured CIA agents look up.

Immediately afterwards, their eyes flashed with utter astonishment.

Milton!
It's not surprising that the leader of the Pan Madre Group appeared, but after winning a great victory and with his strength greatly expanded, why did he not attend the victory celebration, eat and drink to enjoy himself, but instead went to this place that even prisoners of war would shake their heads at?
Is this person even human?

Milton noticed their confusion and said, "I'll spend this Christmas with you two. Look, I've even prepared a gift for you."

The CIA agent paused, looking at the slowly unpacked gift box, a bad feeling creeping into his heart.

It was a rather large gift box containing a bone knife and two shackles.

"what is this?"

Milton pointed to the bone knife: "This is your comrade-in-arms... However, this gift is not for you, but for the family of a fallen soldier."

After a flash of extreme hatred in the eyes of the two CIA agents, Milton took out the two shackles and said, "This is your gift... Feel its touch; it will be your only hope in the darkness ahead."

Extensive experimental evidence suggests that sensory deprivation does not require the removal of touch; in fact, preserving touch is often far more effective than not preserving it. At the time, the CIA was not fully aware of this.

After the gift was taken out, a large compartment in the gift box was empty.

Milton took out a videotape, put it in, and seeing that it fit perfectly, Milton nodded in satisfaction, seemingly thinking that such a Christmas gift was very sincere and creative for the relatives of the fallen.

He closed the gift box, inserted the cassette tape, and handed it to a security guard who then inserted it into the video recorder.

"Alright, please, you two, go and have an unforgettable Christmas."

(End of this chapter)