I was a general in South America

Lucas looked troubled as he watched the jungle gradually swallow up all the light and was about to plunge into darkness once again.

Hoffman only asked that he bring back Blake's body immediately.

To be honest, even if he didn't tell Lucas what to do, after reporting the situation to the military, he would still lead his troops to search the mountains for the remains during the day.

The old man didn't know what his relationship with the US military was, but his request was simply to see if there was any possibility of saving those American soldiers.

Hoffman only needed to do favors.

Lucas had to consider things more carefully: was it worth the risk to "favor"?

After all, entering the forest at this time of year, especially within the guerrillas' territory, is somewhat dangerous.

Perhaps they realized their request was excessive, because in another half hour or so, it would probably be pitch black in the jungle.

Hoffman looked at Lucas's hesitant expression, a hint of guilt flashing in his eyes.

After thinking for a moment, he pulled Lucas aside.

"Lieutenant Lucas, this filming project was approved by Southern Command with the help of my family. My brother, George Hoffman, is the U.S. Ambassador to Colombia, and I don't want him to be affected by my situation."

Accidentally trespassing into the imperial palace...?

Lucas had been speculating about Hoffman's origins, initially thinking he was a small shark, but it turned out to be an Amazonian man-eating crocodile.

There are also differences among ambassadors.

Even drug dealers know that Colombia is a bridgehead for the United States to extend its influence to South America, a region with the most frequent CIA activities, and home to the most US military bases in the world.

Those who can serve as diplomatic ambassadors in this land are either recognized for their abilities or endorsed by the powerful forces behind them.

The only land route traversing the two continents of North and South America must pass through Colombia.

You should have said so earlier, bro!

Captain Blake and I hit it off immediately. If we weren't on a mission, I would have wanted to drag him to God's door and become sworn brothers.

Manisales asked around and found out that the drug dealer didn't know that Lieutenant Lucas was a kind-hearted person.

"As a friend, I'd be happy to help you, but Hoffman, I have to think about my men. The dangers of searching after sunset are far greater than what we just did."

Well... it is indeed difficult, but it's for the sake of helping my friend.

Lieutenant Lucas can be brave and unafraid of difficulties.

But...it costs extra!

Blake's body should be brought back immediately; searching for Blake's body again tomorrow are two different things.

The former allows George to prepare in advance for the subsequent impact.

The latter would undoubtedly give enemies who want to target the Hoffman family more room to maneuver.

Hoffman wasn't naive. Although he admired Lucas, he knew that he had only met him once and had no reason to risk sacrificing his subordinates for a task that wasn't his responsibility.

But the meaning behind his words has already wavered, and its implications are self-evident.

"By helping the Hoffman family, we are friends. Your subordinates have accepted extra tasks, and the Hoffman family is willing to compensate them. Lucas, you can state your demands."

Low emotional intelligence: Lucas says what you want.

High emotional intelligence: This is an extra compensation for your subordinates.

"I prefer doing business with straightforward people," Lucas thought for a moment, then waved his hand with a reproachful look on his face.

"Hoffman, my friends' business is my business, and our friendship needs no other interference."

"Could I be thinking the wrong thing?" Hoffman wondered, looking at the other person's expression with some doubt. Then, Lucas's voice rang in his ears again.

"You know, the commander-in-chief of the Manizales Rapid Reaction Force hasn't been decided yet. If it's convenient, could you ask my brother George to put in a good word for me at the Capitol?"

"......"

.......

After having an emotional conversation with Hoffman, Lucas decides to save his brother Black.

Of course, Hoffman didn't require Lucas to necessarily find that location.

If they can rescue the body, they will. The forest is so big, and there are anti-government guerrillas. If they can't rescue it, then Blake will just have to wait for the American "heavenly soldiers".

After all, Brandt Hoffman is not George Hoffman.

If the risk factor is determined to be low, Lucas will do his best to complete the commission.

The U.S. ambassador to Colombia is a high-ranking official who can communicate directly with the president and has considerable influence over the rapid reaction force.

If the danger is too great, then we'll just have to accept Brandt Hoffman's favor; we won't lose out either way.

Blake's men originally wanted to go into the mountains as well, but Lucas, citing their unfamiliarity with the process, had them escort Hoffman and the others back to camp first.

He left two vehicles to be guarded by four soldiers from the rapid deployment unit, and then led a 10-man squad, including Moreno, back into the Cacau Valley forest.

4:15 PM.

The thick fog rolled in again, and even with military flashlights on, visibility was less than ten meters.

At this moment, the forest was like a giant black hole, swallowing all light and sound.

Fortunately, there was a jungle expert in the army, and with them leading the way, the speed of travel was much faster than when they were with the film crew.

What should have been an hour's journey took less than 40 minutes to complete.

"Lucas, are we really going to rescue that American?"

Moreno, while holding his gun and keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings, asked in a low voice.

He remained resentful of the Americans' attitude that morning, especially their unauthorized actions when they encountered the guerrillas.

They deserved to die!

He didn't know what deal the other party had made with Lucas, but in his heart, it wasn't worth taking the risk for the Americans.

"Save...? Save my ass. When we get to the battlefield, if we're lucky enough to find a body, we'll help drag it back. If we're unlucky, we'll just bring back some rags to prove we've searched."

The guerrillas in the mountains were a group of vicious and ruthless people, and Lucas had never directly dealt with them.

But I've heard quite a few disgusting urban legends, such as what people in the mountains would eat to fill their stomachs when they were starving and had no supplies.

What appears to be a false lie actually provides Hoffman with an explanation.

If you're so capable, go and confront the guerrillas!

"Will this be an explanation to them?"

"Explain?...Let them go and demand an explanation from the guerrillas' guns."

When the CIA funded drug traffickers, did it give an explanation to the people of Colombia?

The first drug trafficking route from Colombia to the United States was operated by CIA military aircraft.

At the same time, this route also provides military supplies to right-wing anti-government forces in South America to combat left-wing anti-government forces attempting to launch "color revolutions".

It was a case of getting two birds with one stone. However, the CIA did not expect that Pablo, the mastermind they had cultivated, would turn around and collude with left-wing anti-government forces after his identity was exposed by Justice Minister Lara.

"Stop...! Be careful."

Lucas suddenly noticed bullet holes in the tree trunk and realized they had reached the point of engagement. He immediately alerted everyone.

"Three people, go check ahead... the rest of you stay put and keep watch."