Traveling Back to the 1960s: The Entire Internet Teaches Me How to Build Missiles

Half a month has passed since the news of the U-2 reconnaissance plane being shot down, and there has still been no further news.

Moreover, the pilot's whereabouts remain unknown, and he is presumed dead.

CIA Deputy Director Richard was on edge, fearing that one morning he would wake up to find an Associated Press headline on his desk, revealing his crimes.

This matter quickly reached the ears of Commander Eisen, who was both angry and uneasy.

It is obvious that the plane was indeed shot down by a missile, so the one who fired the missile was definitely not some farmer!

But what does it mean that the other party is silent?

Is it an attempt to make amends or to gloss over the matter?

That's impossible. Eisen, who had personally inspected the front lines at Chosin Reservoir, knew very well that this sleeping dragon was far from being cowardly.

That means waiting and seeing how things develop, and then negotiating a solution privately?

Eisen thinks the latter is more likely.

But clearly, he believed that by offering to settle out of court, he was essentially admitting his mistake, which was an intolerable humiliation for the great nation of America.

But the truth must be faced. As a hardliner, Eisen knew that this matter could no longer be concealed, and he could no longer harbor any illusions about the tolerance and friendliness of others.

Eisen then had his spokesperson draft a press release, using vague language to announce the so-called "truth" to reporters in an attempt to seize control of public opinion.

Ladies and gentlemen... We have received a document regarding a NASA upper-air meteorological research program that primarily collects meteorological data from the upper atmosphere to support scientific research...

This research has been conducted multiple times in Central Asia, with all pilots employed by Lockheed Martin and having contracts with NASA…

According to available information, a plane based in Peshawar that was carrying out this operation recently lost contact with the ground...

The pilot reported a malfunction in the onboard oxygen equipment via the emergency radio. Preliminary investigations suggest the pilot may have lost consciousness due to hypoxia.

We cannot rule out the possibility that the aircraft deviated from its flight path and entered eastern airspace during this process. We are currently attempting to locate the aircraft and pilot and are trying to engage in friendly negotiations.

[Please refrain from further comment until the facts are ascertained. We sincerely apologize for this disastrous "scientific experiment"!]

Reporters from dozens of media outlets, including the Associated Press, United Press International, CBS, and Time Magazine, sensed something unusual in this press release.

Like sharks drawn by the smell of blood, they swarmed forward, relentlessly pressing for answers:

Is it really just a scientific experiment? Why is it being conducted at the remote Peshawar airport?

—[Based on the information we have, it is indeed a scientific experiment aimed at obtaining data on atmospheric and weather conditions in Central Asia.]

What are the chances of the pilot surviving?

—【We have not received any information in this regard.】

Has the East already lodged a protest?

—【Currently not available.】

Why did this plane deviate from another country's airspace? Was it intentional or accidental?

— [Sorry, no comment]

【…】

……

Due to the risks of transferring Robert Hale and the fear of a sudden assassination attempt at any cost, the higher authorities approved his on-site detention as a precaution.

The base's two courts were instructed to closely cooperate with the special task force to prepare for a public trial of the case.

At the end of October, a special task force composed of several officers from the operations, security, Dongxin News Agency, Broadcasting Bureau, Jingzhou Film Studio, and foreign affairs departments boarded special train 223 and stopped at Huangyangzhai Railway Station.

Ye Ling, accompanied by Political Commissar Sun, Staff Officer Xu, and a group of cadres, along with Director Xu and Zhou Yunxiao, solemnly welcomed the arrival of the group members.

Colorful flags fluttered and drums resounded at the scene, and the female members of the cultural troupe clapped happily.

Many staff members carrying briefcases and reporters carrying cameras emerged from the carriage, all greeting everyone with big smiles.

The leader at the forefront was specifically in charge of coordinating the special task force's actions. Ye Ling tugged at Zhou Yunxiao's ear.

"See that? That's President Xun Hong. Find a chance to have you repeat those things you told me before in front of him..."

Zhou Yunxiao was a little hesitant. "Boss, is it okay for me to bring this up? I'm just a lowly technical captain."

"I don't care, it was your idea to poke the tiger's butt. What, you dare to say that to my face, but you don't dare to when you see President Xun? You're playing favorites, aren't you?"

Ye Ling glared at him, too lazy to say anything more, and quickly stepped forward to tightly grasp President Xun's hand:

"Haha, why are you leading the team yourself this time? You're so busy, it's not worth making a trip for a mere pilot, is it?"

General Xun took off his sunglasses and said with a down-to-earth Sichuan accent, "There are no small matters when it comes to foreign affairs! Besides, I didn't come here just to listen to reports; I also want to see for myself. I want to see what kind of base you've built, how well the comrades are doing, and to have the results displayed here so I can have a clear understanding of the situation."

"Hehe, I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

Ye Ling laughed heartily.

"Okay, okay..."

After greeting the welcoming comrades, Ye Ling helped General Xun into a Volga sedan.

A convoy of vehicles drove back to the headquarters of the No. 10 government office.

Upon arriving at the camp, Ye Lingxian accompanied General Xun to meet Robert Hale.

However, the two were talking at cross purposes, and Hale was not very satisfied with the new translator. After only a few words, he started yelling that he wanted to switch back to the original translator.

With no other option, Zhou Yunxiao returned to his old job, translating back and forth between General Xun and Hale.

After asking a few simple questions, President Xun had his secretary bring over a small leather suitcase, which, when opened, revealed a row of gleaming gold bars.

"Hey, this three thousand taels of gold is what we promised you. We keep our word. We will never go back on our promises."

"However, there are still some things that require your cooperation. After that, you'll receive everything you're owed. For now, we'll keep these things safe for you..."

Upon seeing the gold bars, Hale's eyes lit up, and he nodded repeatedly.

Next, General Xun examined the pieced-together wreckage of the U-2 reconnaissance plane, as well as the US dollars, rubles, francs, black ten dollars, Rolex watches, and gold rings that the pilots carried with them.

"Oh dear, old commander, you can't touch this thing! It's poisonous, it'll kill you on contact with blood..."

Ye Ling saw that Xun Zong was about to touch the clam poison needle and was so frightened that he quickly stopped him.

Mr. Xun reluctantly withdrew his hand, sat down on the sofa, and suddenly slapped his forehead, remembering something important.

"Xiao Ye, why don't you take the others outside for a bit? I need to chat with Comrade Xiao Zhou for a bit, we need to discuss something. Don't worry, it's nothing major or secret, just exchanging opinions privately. Don't eavesdrop outside!"

Ye Ling was taken aback, thinking to himself, "What could you possibly talk about with a technical captain?"

Do we need to send everyone away?

But he didn't dare ask. He just gave Zhou Yunxiao a wink as he left, signaling him to bring up the matter while he was at it.

Zhou Yunxiao nodded calmly.

Soon, only General Manager Xun and he remained in the office.

General Manager Xun stared at him with admiration for a while, then said, "Comrade Zhou, do you know why I wanted to talk to you alone?"

Zhou Yunxiao scratched his head. "I don't know."

The next second, President Xun solemnly grasped his hand and said mysteriously:

"A special comrade heard I was coming to Jincheng and specifically sought me out to ask me to convey his gratitude to you. And I've delivered that thanks today!"