Chapter 1342
Test Flight, Dongfang No. 1, Heading to Nanyu
Inside the West Suburbs Airport.
Liu Guozhang and several leaders from the Ministry of Railways have already arrived and are waiting for the transport plane to arrive.
Suddenly, a messenger ran over and reported to the leader: "The higher-ups are here."
"Huh?!" Liu Guozhang and several ministry leaders were stunned and instantly panicked.
They knew today was the day of the transport aircraft test and that many leaders would be coming, but they never expected that the higher-level leaders would come in person!
This level of importance placed on it exceeded everyone's expectations.
As the group came to their senses and were about to step forward to greet them, they saw a convoy slowly driving into the airport, and plainclothes security personnel quickly took over the surrounding security.
Upon seeing the superiors, the ministry leaders and Liu Guozhang all stepped forward.
"Don't be nervous. Today I'm just like you, here as an audience member to see what new things our patriotic comrade has come up with this time."
A single sentence from the superior immediately eased the tension on the scene.
When Li Aiguo led the transport plane to the airport, he saw his superiors, ministerial leaders, and Liu Guozhang standing beside him talking.
“Patriotism…” A ministry leader raised his hand, just about to beckon Li Aiguo over.
But his superiors stopped him: "The young comrade is concentrating on his work, don't disturb him, we'll just watch from here."
The higher-ups' attention fell on the transport plane.
It was enormous! The wide wings and thick fuselage were much larger than the planes he had seen when he visited his elder brother years ago.
Under the sunlight, the silver-gray skin shimmered.
"I never imagined we could actually build large transport aircraft," a superior remarked.
The leaders around him were filled with mixed emotions upon hearing this.
After liberation, our industry was in a state of extreme poverty.
The aviation industry, in particular, is the hardest hit area. Not to mention large aircraft, even the most basic small aircraft can only rely on imports and imitations.
In such a short time, they've managed to build such a large aircraft.
"Li Aiguo reports to you!" Li Aiguo jumped off the truck, strode up to his superior, and saluted.
"Comrade Patriot, you've really made a big splash today! Could you show me around?" the superior asked.
Li Aiguo gestured for them to proceed, and as he walked toward the transport plane, he briefly introduced the parameters of the large aircraft.
Upon hearing that it could transport over 80 tons of cargo at a time, the superior nodded thoughtfully and exclaimed, "Such a large carrying capacity! Excellent! It's perfect for long-distance troop deployments or large-scale airdrops!"
It must be said that the higher-ups are indeed first-rate military strategists, who immediately recognized the irreplaceable tactical value of large transport aircraft in modern warfare.
In later generations, the reason why the US military was able to swagger around the world was not only because of its military bases and aircraft carriers, but also because of its troop deployment capabilities.
As for using large transport planes to airdrop into the enemy's capital and carry out a surprise attack, it is regarded as the most standard modern assault tactic.
The Russians used this tactic when they attacked Ukraine. Although it didn't work, the tactic itself was sound; the Russians were just careless.
Walking to the tail of the plane, Li Aiguo gestured to Zong Xianfeng to open the rear cargo door.
With the sound of the mechanical winch turning, the heavy tail hatch slowly descended and landed on the tarmac.
Currently, the hatches are still manually operated mechanically.
It's not that Li Aiguo's team couldn't make a hydraulic electric door, but during the maiden flight phase, everything was focused on the ultimate reliability, and the most basic mechanical structure is often the least likely to fail at critical moments.
As the hatch opened, the superiors were filled with excitement upon seeing the spacious interior.
"I heard you're preparing for a test flight today. Where is your destination?" The higher-ups were more concerned about the test flight results.
"Report: According to the flight plan, we will fly fully loaded with supplies to Nanyu City to deliver a batch of urgently needed supplies to our comrades stationed at the border regiment!"
This time, the higher-ups didn't say anything, but a leader next to them looked somewhat surprised.
Nam-yu City is the capital of Nam-yu, though it wasn't called that before.
These things are not important. What is important is that to fly to Nanyu City, one must fly over the plateau and over the Himalayas.
Flying in that forbidden zone known as the "Roof of the World," amidst high altitude, extreme oxygen deprivation, and complex and ever-changing air currents...
The challenges to aircraft performance and pilot skills were simply unimaginable!
"Comrade Aiguo, this is only the first test flight of our large transport aircraft. Shouldn't we... choose a closer, calmer place first, to be on the safe side?" The leader couldn't help but speak up to dissuade him.
“Sir, this large transport plane was designed specifically to transport supplies to the front lines. Testing is necessary given the high-altitude terrain, but please rest assured, we will be extremely careful.” Li Aiguo thanked the leader for his kindness.
The leader opened his mouth, wanting to say a few more words of advice.
The superior waved his hand: "I trust Comrade Aiguo's judgment, and I also believe that he can safely pilot this transport plane that belongs to us to Nanyu."
This is not just about the technical testing of a transport plane; it's about the overall situation in the south!
The room fell silent instantly upon hearing this.
The leaders present were no ordinary people; with a quick thought, they instantly understood the deeper meaning behind their superiors' words.
Since the implementation of the Agent Program, although the Southern Corner Special Zone has been formally established and the overall situation can be considered stable, there are still unpredictable undercurrents.
There are always some forces with ulterior motives making underhanded moves behind the scenes.
In particular, the southern region is separated from the inland areas by continuous snow-capped mountains and plateaus, making transportation extremely inconvenient.
Li Yunlong's main force is currently stationed there to deter troublemakers.
But if there's an emergency in the surrounding area that requires mobilization, wouldn't that area instantly become a vacuum?
But now, with large transport aircraft, everything is completely different!
Departing in the morning and arriving in the evening, natural barriers are transformed into thoroughfares. Large-scale deployment of personnel and heavy equipment can be carried out at any time.
This is not only a guarantee of logistical support, but also a sharp sword!
Having figured this out, the leaders looked at Li Aiguo with not just appreciation, but also admiration.
This young man is not only a once-in-a-century genius researcher.
What's even more remarkable is that he has an exceptionally high level of strategic vision and a keen sense of strategic acumen.
After learning the destination, the superior offered a few words of encouragement and asked, "Does this transport plane have a name?"
"Not yet, we're still developing it and only using a code name. Leader, could you help me come up with a name?" Li Aiguo puffed out his chest.
After a moment's thought, the superior said, "Since this is a large transport aircraft that we Easterners have independently developed, let's call it 'Eastern No. 1'!"
“Dongfang No. 1, a good name.” Li Aiguo nodded repeatedly, and Section Chief Xing, Liu Guozhang, and Zong Xianfeng beside him also nodded.
With "Dongfang No. 1", we will not only have large passenger aircraft in the future, but we will also definitely have Dongfang No. 2, Dongfang No. 3, and even Dongfang spacecraft that flies into space...
As they were talking, the airport staff had already filled the Dongfang No. 1 with fuel, using special fuel for jet aircraft.
In addition to the four integral fuel tanks, Li Aiguo installed two more fuel tanks, requiring more than 2 liters of fuel to fill the tank.
Logistics trucks also drove over and went directly into the cargo plane to unload the goods.
"Reporting, Captain! All cargo has been loaded and secured. The entire aircraft system has been re-checked, and all indicators are normal. We are ready to depart at any time!" Huang Dali, who was serving as the co-pilot, strode up to Li Aiguo, saluted, and reported loudly.
"Alright, let's go!"
After returning the greeting, Li Aiguo turned around and nodded to his superior.
"Go on, lads! Have a safe journey and good luck!"
The superior leader smiled and raised his right hand, waving to the group of warriors who were about to set off for the skies.
Amidst a sea of gazes, Li Aiguo stepped into the driver's seat.
The hatch closed, and the stern hatch slowly rose and locked.
Li Aiguo sat in the captain's seat, put on his communication headset, and checked the dense array of data and switches on the instrument panel, making a final confirmation before departure.
"Tower, Vostok 1 requests taxiing."
"Tower received, VfB, runway cleared, taxiing permitted. Good luck."
"Captain, all aircraft are ready to depart!" Huang Dali shouted from the side.
Li Aiguo started the engine, pushed the control lever, and Dongfang No. 1 began to accelerate and taxi on the runway.
Take off.
The landing gear retracted successfully.
As the large aircraft, carrying the hard work and hopes of countless people, successfully took off and smoothly flew into the blue sky, thunderous applause and cheers erupted throughout the entire Xijiao Airport.
"Success!"
"Our large aircraft has successfully taken to the skies!"
The successful launch and perfect attitude mean that this difficult test is already halfway to success.
Everyone's face was beaming with excitement and pride, and some even had tears in their eyes.
The superior leader stood with his hands behind his back in the early spring wind, his eyes fixed on the "Dongfang No. 1" satellite as it flew further and further away.
Only after the plane had completely disappeared into the clouds did he slowly turn his gaze away, a relieved and profound smile appearing on his face.
Nanyu City at this time.
Inside a two-story detached house filled with the exotic style of Indians.
Li Yunlong and Zhao Gang were staring wide-eyed at a bottle of strong liquor in the center of the table.
"Ready, rock, paper, scissors!"
"Hahahaha! Old Zhao, sorry Old Zhao, this bottle of wine is mine, Li Yunlong's!"
Li Yunlong laughed heartily and picked up a bottle of strong liquor.
Zhao Gang sighed helplessly and rubbed his temples.
He had clearly mentally rehearsed several rounds of war games beforehand, and he was certain that Li Yunlong, this reckless man, would play the "stone" move this time, based on psychological inertia.
Who knew that this old guy would play completely unpredictably, throwing out "scissors" three times in a row!
"How can you play your cards like that..." Zhao Gang was immediately annoyed.
Actually, to be fair, Nam-yu City is a pretty good place.
There is plenty of rainfall and sunshine here.
Recently, the surrounding situation has stabilized, and the team has entered a period of rest and recuperation, so there is no need to be constantly on high alert.
Logically, everyone should have been quite happy.
But the problem is that the local food and drink, especially the alcohol, are really hard to accept.
The local wine is made from fermented coconut juice. It tastes neither too sour nor too sweet, and its alcohol content is about the same as that of homemade rice wine.
That's nothing compared to what's most crucial: according to the report from the reconnaissance company, the coconut wine was made using a juicing process that involved stomping on the coconuts with one's feet!
Who the hell could stand this?!
After the wine we brought last time was used up, it became a form of hard currency.
Of course, Zhao Gang felt that this might be due to his longing for his hometown.
But unlike Zhao Gang, who was "doing reading comprehension" here, Li Yunlong didn't have so many literary worries. He was simply driven by his inner craving for alcohol!
"Tsk tsk, our family's old wine is still the best."
He casually wiped his mouth with his sleeve, looked at Zhao Gang across from him who was swallowing hard, chuckled, and generously handed him the bottle.
"Old Zhao, come on! Don't say I, Old Li, am hogging the food, I'll give you a bite!"
Zhao Gang was both amused and exasperated. Li Yunlong, though seemingly domineering, actually cared about others.
Just as Zhao Gang was about to take the wine, the orderly knocked on the door and came in: "Reporting, Number One and Number Two! We just received an urgent message from the hospital. Dozens of comrades from two companies have suddenly developed high fevers, vomiting, and diarrhea. They urgently need anti-inflammatory drugs!"
Upon hearing this, both of their expressions changed simultaneously.
This is another unbearable place in Nam-yu City, teeming with all sorts of germs.
The locals have lived here for generations and have long since developed antibodies; they may have become accustomed to it.
However, we couldn't withstand it.
Before the team arrived in Nanyu City, the accompanying medics and military doctors gave the comrades a health education session, instructing them not to drink untreated water, especially local river water, and not to go into the jungle.
However, this thing is impossible to guard against.
"Is there no medicine left in the hospital? What about fever reducers?" Zhao Gang asked anxiously, frowning.
"I have some common fever reducers, but this time the situation is very serious. The doctor examined me and said it was an acute bacterial infection, and the common medicines couldn't suppress it."
The dean said that strong antibiotics must be used immediately, otherwise the comrades' lives will be in danger!
Powerful antibiotics.
Under current medical conditions, the most powerful bactericidal drugs are undoubtedly the newly developed cephalosporins.
Li Yunlong asked, "That's not right! Didn't the logistics department just send over a batch of cephalosporins a while ago? That's a special medicine that my nephew Li Aiguo personally made!"
"They were all given to the comrades who came with us." The comrades who came with us, as mentioned by the orderly, were construction workers and other workers who came from China.
To turn this place into an impregnable fortress, construction is essential. "This is difficult! Let's go to the hospital."
Zhao Gang threw the wine on the table, put on his clothes, and followed Li Yunlong to the hospital.
In the ward, doctors and nurses were carrying basins of water, using alcohol and warm water to physically cool down those who had high fevers.
However, this method is woefully inadequate for acute bacterial infections.
Looking at his comrades in the hospital beds, their faces flushed red with fever and their lips cracked, Li Yunlong felt as if his heart was being torn apart.
As a frontline commander who had crawled out of piles of corpses, he had seen countless deaths, but he also hated this kind of death the most.
He knew all too well that in the brutal wars of the past, many outstanding comrades did not fall to enemy guns and cannons, but rather succumbed to illnesses caused by the harsh environment!
"Old Commander, Political Commissar, you've finally arrived!"
The hospital director also rushed over, his face extremely grim.
"Old Commander, didn't you tell me a couple of days ago that a batch of emergency medicines was being transported from the mainland to here? How many more days until it arrives?"
"The comrades from the transport company are already on their way, but it's hard to say when. Although it's already spring, the mountain pass is still covered in snow." Li Yunlong frowned.
Upon hearing this news, the atmosphere in the ward suddenly became somewhat somber.
At this moment, Zhao Gang spoke up: "Yunlong, didn't Li Aiguo say a few days ago that he was going to conduct flight tests here? He might bring some urgently needed supplies, maybe even medicine?"
"Oh, I completely forgot about that. I'll contact the airport right away and see if they've been notified."
This news was like a beacon of light, illuminating the ward.
The attendant rushed to the office next door, picked up the phone, contacted the airport, and then ran back.
"Report! We've made contact with the airport!" the officer announced loudly.
"The airport tower said that the test aircraft that took off from Beijing is on its way!"
Based on the flight path calculations from the test plan, we should arrive at our Nanyu Airport in about two hours!
"Great! That's fantastic!" Li Yunlong exclaimed excitedly, slamming his fist against the wall. "There's always a way out!"
He turned around abruptly and grabbed Zhao Gang's arm: "Come on, Lao Zhao! Let's go to the airport right now to pick him up! This nephew Aiguo has really been a timely help for us this time!"
"Captain, we are about to enter the airspace of Nanyu City!"
Inside the cockpit, co-pilot Huang Dali stared intently at the navigation data on the instrument panel and reported loudly.
"Contact the airport tower."
"Yes! Calling South Corner Tower, calling South Corner Tower! This is Dongfang No. 1, this is Dongfang No. 1. My aircraft has reached the designated airspace and requests to land. Over."
Inside the control tower, before the operator could even reply to the voice coming from the intercom, Li Yunlong grabbed it.
"Clearance for landing! Land immediately!"
"Roger that!" the co-pilot replied instinctively.
Li Aiguo, sitting in the driver's seat, was instantly stunned.
That voice... why does it sound so familiar?
Isn't that Li Yunlong's loud voice?!
Why did he come in person?
Did I hear wrong?
Before he could think it through, Dongfang No. 1 had already aligned itself with the runway. With a slight jolt, the landing gear tires scraped against the runway, sending up plumes of smoke.
The plane landed smoothly at Nanyu Airport, taxied for a distance, and then stopped on the tarmac.
Li Aiguo couldn't wait to push open the cockpit door and walk quickly down the gangway. He immediately saw the group of people standing below.
Who else could it be but Li Yunlong?!
"Uncle Li! Why did you come all by yourself? Oh, and Uncle Zhao, you're here too!"
Li Aiguo was both surprised and delighted. He ran down the gangway in two quick steps and hurried forward to meet them.
Li Yunlong laughed heartily and patted Li Aiguo on the shoulder: "Nephew, you really did manage to build a big plane! Now there's a problem: did you bring any medicine? Like cephalosporin."
"I brought it!"
"Quick! Take me to get it!"
Although Li Aiguo was unaware of what had happened, seeing Li Yunlong's anxiety, he immediately instructed Zong Xianfeng to open the rear cabin.
Li Yunlong and Zhao Gang were stunned when they saw the mountain of wooden crates inside.
"Wow, how much stuff did you bring?"
"Is there at least several dozen tons of cargo?" Zhao Gang asked.
"The exact quantity is sixty-five tons. Considering this is a test, it wasn't fully loaded." Li Aiguo said as he took the list and looked for the area where the medicines were located.
Li Yunlong and Zhao Gang were both stunned.
Good heavens! That would fill more than twenty large trucks!
And they just casually said, "It wasn't full"?!
If it were fully loaded, wouldn't it be able to cramm an entire reinforced battalion, including all its men and artillery, into it and fly over?
"Found it, it's here!"
Li Aiguo found the box, picked up a crowbar and opened it; inside was a box of cephalosporins.
After receiving the medicine, Li Yunlong handed it to his orderly and asked him to take it to the hospital immediately.
After finishing these matters and returning, Li Yunlong asked with a smile, "Nephew, tell your uncle quickly, besides the life-saving medicine, what other good things did you bring to our Nanyu this time?"
"There's plenty of good stuff here, take a look for yourself," Li Aiguo said with a smile, handing the long shipping manifest to Li Yunlong.
Li Yunlong took it and saw that there were many kinds of items on it, including ammunition, guns, food, and a full twenty boxes of old Fenjiu liquor.
"Great! Today we're going to have a celebration banquet to celebrate our patriotism!" Li Yunlong laughed.
At this moment, Li Aiguo took out two envelopes from a box and handed them to Li Yunlong and Zhao Gang respectively.
"Uncle Li, Uncle Zhao, Aunt Tian and Aunt Feng asked me to bring this over before I left."
Li Yunlong and Zhao Gang were stunned for a moment, then quickly reached out and took the envelope.
Upon opening the letter, they found a thick stack of letters written by Tian Yu and Feng Nan, filled with their longing for their husbands far away.
Tucked inside the envelope were several black-and-white photos. The children in the photos seemed to have grown taller, and their features even showed a hint of maturity that seemed somewhat unfamiliar to them.
Looking at the familiar, delicate handwriting, and at their son and daughter grinning foolishly at the camera in the photo, these two tough men, who had never flinched even in the face of gunfire, instantly felt a lump in their throats.
Li Aiguo did not immediately go to the base to attend the victory celebration banquet. Instead, he took Huang Dali and Zong Xianfeng to conduct a comprehensive inspection of Dongfang No. 1.
"Everything is normal. There are a few easily damaged parts that need to be replaced, but it's not a big problem." The mechanic walked over.
"Alright. Everyone's exhausted today. Let's finish the repairs tomorrow. That's enough for today! Come on, let's go to the celebration banquet the garrison has prepared for us tonight!"
That evening, the town hall in Nanyu City, filled with local charm, was brightly lit and bustling with activity.
Besides Li Yunlong's comrades, some local leaders also attended the banquet. When Li Aiguo led Zong Xianfeng and Huang Dali in, applause broke out.
Li Yunlong greeted them with a smile: "Comrades! Friends! I have some fantastic news to share! Our 'Dongfang No. 1' large transport aircraft has successfully completed its test flight, traversing snow-capped mountains and plateaus!"
This huge plane can carry tens of tons of cargo at a time, departing in the morning and arriving in the evening! It can transport large numbers of fully armed soldiers, and even tanks and artillery can be towed over directly!
As soon as Li Yunlong said this, a collective gasp filled the hall.
Although Li Aiguo was laughing heartily, his gaze swept over the local leaders with a meaningful look.
Upon hearing this, the local dignitaries outwardly clapped and cheered, beaming with joy, and raised their glasses in celebration.
However, behind these seemingly harmonious smiles, what they were really thinking—whether it was shock, fear, or some other scheming—no one knows.
It doesn't matter at all!
As long as "Dongfang No. 1" opens up this air corridor, and as long as the mainland can send large numbers of troops and heavy firepower to the south at any time.
Those petty scoundrels lurking in the shadows wouldn't dare to do anything at this critical juncture, even if they had ten times the courage!
The very existence of large aircraft is the most powerful deterrent!
The atmosphere at the banquet quickly reached its climax.
Li Aiguo was fortunate enough to experience the exotic customs of the southern corner of the world during this era.
Although it lacks the sensual belly dances of later generations, the traditional dances performed by local girls dressed in brightly colored ethnic costumes have a unique charm.
After the dance ended and the dancers left, cases of aged Fenjiu liquor were brought over, the bottles were opened, and the celebration banquet officially began.
As the main character, Li Aiguo naturally became the focus of everyone's attention.
"Comrade Aiguo, thank you so much for bringing the medicine so promptly." The hospital director, dressed in a gray Zhongshan suit, walked over.
Li Aiguo quickly stood up, clinked his cup with both hands, and said, "Dean, you flatter me. I was just about to ask you, how are the sick colleagues in the hospital doing now? Are they all alright?"
"She's much better now! The fever has gone down. I have to say, that cephalosporin you prescribed was absolutely amazing! It was a miracle cure!"
Li Aiguo nodded, but then began to make plans in his mind.
There are a lot of germs here, and as the team goes deeper, there will be even more. I can't even imagine what it will be like when we reach the real Yokogawa territory.
There are also diseases like dysentery, malaria, cholera, and dengue fever.
At that time, relying solely on cephalosporins will not be enough; we should try to develop several other drugs.
Just as I was pondering this, a broken Chinese voice rang out: "Respected Comrade Li, welcome to Nanyu."
Li Aiguo turned his head and saw a local leader with white skin holding a wine glass, smiling at him.
The man was wearing a gray Zhongshan suit, a style characteristic of the era, but he styled this serious outfit in a way that was completely out of place.
He had an exaggeratedly large local scimitar inlaid with gemstones hanging from his waist, and he was wearing a turban-like hat with thick strips of cloth wrapped around his head and a large ruby in the center.
Well, this outfit is such a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Western styles.
Before Li Aiguo could even ask a question, Zhao Gang, who had been keeping an eye on the area, walked over discreetly and stood perfectly to Li Aiguo's side, introducing him in a low voice: "Aiguo, this is Comrade Rana Plata, the chief administrator of our Southern Corner District."
Li Aiguo's eyes flashed, and he suddenly realized.
It turns out that the fat old man was Zhao Xita's father...
However, looking at the old man's greasy face and thinking about Zhao Xita's youthful and beautiful exotic appearance, it's really hard to see any genetic similarity between them.
"Oh! It's Comrade Rana Plata. I've heard so much about you. Hello, hello!" Li Aiguo instantly put on a warm smile, took the initiative to extend his hand, and shook hands firmly with Rana Plata.
"Comrade Patriot...may I address you so affectionately?"
Rana Plata's small eyes darted around as she spoke, "My daughter Sita has repeatedly mentioned in her letters home how well you took care of her in the capital!"
In her letter, she said that she called you her 'best friend' in a foreign land.
As your father, I am very grateful for your care of my daughter.
To express my sincere gratitude, I plan to host a family dinner at my private residence tomorrow evening, and I hope that Comrade Patriot will grace us with his presence.
Rana Plata had heard of Li Aiguo's name before, but initially thought he was just a researcher. However, seeing Li Yunlong and Zhao Gang's attitude today, he immediately sensed something was wrong.
If we could leverage our daughter's connection to bring this promising young man into our camp, or at least establish a personal alliance that transcends ordinary comrades,
After that, things will be much easier.
Therefore, Rana Plata's seemingly grateful words are rather intriguing.
He specifically emphasized Li Aiguo's "personal care" for his daughter, and even ambiguously talked about what "best friend" means, and even planned to hold a private family dinner.
Doesn't this imply something that seems a bit too intimate?
Li Aiguo sneered inwardly.
It seems that Rana Plata's intentions are extremely impure.
No wonder Zhao Gang appeared at just the right time; it seems he had already discovered it.
"Comrade Chief Steward, you're too kind."
Comrade Zhao Xita was an outstanding overseas student who responded to the call to go to Beijing for further studies.
We're all working towards building the same new society!
It's only natural for comrades to care for and help each other; anyone would do the same.
Li Aiguo began speaking slowly and deliberately.
This is tantamount to telling Rana Plata plainly.
I'm helping your daughter out of the public good, I have no other intentions. You'd better keep your ulterior motives to yourself.
Rana Plata was a shrewd man; how could he not hear the hidden meaning in that sentence?
But he didn't feel embarrassed at all; on the contrary, he was even less convinced of Li Aiguo's explanation.
In the eyes of someone like him, what cat in the world doesn't eat fish?
He had absolute confidence in his daughter's beauty and abilities.
This kid is definitely giving me that official talk!
"Hahaha! Comrade Patriot is right, comradeship, comradeship! It was I, as a father, who was too eager to see my daughter, who spoke rashly, rashly!"
Rana Plata gave a slick laugh, raised his glass, and downed it in one gulp.
(End of this chapter)