Chapter 693
Target: Damakin
Boca Chica, Texas.
At the launch site, the experimental Falcon X rocket was being assembled, and a cargo trailer carried a satellite, which was significantly larger than the Starlink satellite, into the launch tower.
Musk pointed over there and said, "This is an experimental satellite transported by Surrey Satellite, weighing a whopping 9.2 tons. Its launch payload sets a new record for space exploration."
Hawke orchestrated Twitter’s Space Supercomputing Center project, which plans to launch a total of about 15 supercomputing satellites into space to deal with potential crises.
He looked at the rocket: "The X-shape is much thicker now."
Musk smiled and said, "After all, the launch altitude has increased significantly." He specifically pointed out, "It also cost a lot of money."
The two are the largest shareholders of the company. Hawke simply stated, "The election is coming soon, and if Brian wins the election, our plan will receive federal subsidies and grants."
Musk exclaimed, "It feels really great to have American money serving us."
Hawke laughed heartily and said, "When we grow potatoes on the moon and Mars in the future, we can give one to every American."
"Landing crops on the moon and Mars?" Musk couldn't understand Hawke's thinking: "Wouldn't the cost be too high?"
Hawke waved his hand: "These are irrelevant."
Musk changed the subject, saying, "I expelled the Indian team that was negotiating with space exploration."
He has also been following a series of news stories related to India recently: "Fortunately, you recognized the despicable side of Indians from the beginning, and we increased our vigilance and did not fall for their tricks."
Hawke asked, "What did those Indians do?"
Musk shook his big head and said, "These bastards secretly poached the technology team for space exploration and even encouraged some Asian engineers to leave. I kicked them out of Boca Chica, but they stayed in Houston and refused to leave."
Hawke thought for a moment and asked, "Let the Texas police deal with them."
Musk is no saint either: "Gun is rampant in the Lone Star Republic. Given the Indians' usual behavior, they'll definitely give the police a reason to take action."
Hawke nodded slightly and said, "Give them a heads-up and have the Houston police keep an eye on them."
Musk said with a smile, "I've already spoken to them. Someone is watching the Indians 24/7. Hopefully, there will be some surprises."
The two stood in a safe spot on the perimeter and watched the satellite being hoisted for a while.
Elizabeth Carter came over from the other side and said, "I'm taking over from Secretary Rufete."
Hawke called Musk over and said, "Let's go see him together."
The two arrived at the reception room at the launch site and met the current Secretary of State, who was dressed in a sharp suit.
Rufete was much more enthusiastic when he saw Hawke than when he saw Tom Emer, and said with a smile, "The huge rocket outside is truly awe-inspiring."
Hawke shook hands with him and said directly, "The main reason I invited you here is that I need your help with something."
Rufete replied without hesitation, "Go ahead and say it."
Hawke said, "You should know about what's been going on with the Indians lately." Seeing the other nod, he continued, "You should start from the diplomatic level and put enough pressure on the Indians."
“Suppressing other countries is part of my job,” Rufete said solemnly. “Protecting local businesses and entrepreneurs is also my duty.”
This is not beyond the Secretary of State's capabilities; he can simply go with the flow.
Musk then took Rufete on a tour of the launch site.
Rufete adopted such a humble posture partly due to the influence of the situation, and partly because Hawke had once helped his son resolve a significant problem in Los Angeles, thus incurring Rufete's debt of gratitude.
It's not easy to owe favors to important people.
But in Rufete's view, this favor was also an opportunity to bring him closer to the Los Angeles Group.
Even before he left Boca Chica, he called Washington to have a professional team handle the matter.
If the Indians dare to touch Hawke's interests, he will make sure they see what the terrifying influence of the world's only superpower is like.
Hawke returned to Los Angeles that day and held a video conference with Butterfly Security, focusing on preventing Indians from entering the country and strengthening security for various companies and key personnel.
The hurricane branch in Africa is especially close to India.
According to the Indians' self-defined sphere of influence, the east coast of Africa belongs to their sphere of influence.
Although their navy often suffers setbacks at the hands of pirates, nothing can stop the Indians' super confidence, not even if their aircraft carriers are bombed and their decks are covered in excrement.
Given their overconfidence and arrogance, it's not surprising that they might do something outrageous in the heat of the moment.
…………
Mumbai, military base.
Abhishek, who had suffered a major setback in Los Angeles, returned to the lab, under immense pressure from recent international public opinion.
Once this matter is resolved, Abhishek will inevitably have to resign.
Fortunately, we received enough money.
Abhishek found Dr. Artur, the person in charge, and asked, "Has the testing of this batch of satellites been completed?"
“It’s all done.” Artur felt utterly exhausted. “Nothing to show for it. The satellite shell, solar panels, and installed components are about the same level as the satellites we built. They’re practically useless.”
He sighed: "The most crucial technologies and core components are all missing. This deal..."
Abhishek shook his head: "We spent tens of billions of dollars to buy a pile of useless scrap metal?"
Artur said, "Strictly speaking, that's not wrong either. These unfinished satellites are of no help to our aerospace industry."
He didn't say the rest of his sentence.
The international ripple effects triggered by this batch of products will severely hamper the development of India's aerospace industry. Whether it's technology imports or product purchases, India will face the most stringent international scrutiny and pay a greater price.
Even those bastards who have been secretly supporting India for strategic reasons have become unusually cautious.
Knowing the serious consequences, Abhishek quietly made some plans. After resigning, he planned to take the kickbacks he had received over the years and move to England to live.
Someone knocked on the door and came in, reporting, "Chief Sonnir is here, he wants to see you immediately."
Artur and Abhishek left the laboratory and headed to the base's command post.
The head of the Military Space and Aviation Command, Sanil, came all the way from New Delhi.
He gave Abhishek a hostile look: "This incident has caused serious international repercussions. The Americans have already sent a diplomatic letter to the Prime Minister's office."
Abhishek argued, "This is clearly an American affair..."
Sanil interrupted him directly: "If we had succeeded, all the credit would have been ours. The problem is that we failed. We spent hundreds of billions of dollars but gained nothing. Instead, it triggered a credibility crisis, causing our partners, including France, Germany, the United States, and Russia, to all halt their military trade with us. Are you aware of the consequences?"
Abhishek lowered his head slightly and did not defend himself further.
Artur tentatively asked, "Can we pay the remaining balance and complete this deal? The technology behind these satellites is crucial for India."
Upon hearing this, Sanir's murderous gaze immediately fell upon Artur.
If this clueless guy keeps sticking to this view, he wouldn't mind letting him be assassinated by an "American spy."
Involving billions of dollars in outstanding payments, with beneficiaries spanning the Ministry of Defense and various aspects of the New Delhi authorities—are you kidding me!
Artur, who was technically inclined, wasn't that perceptive, but seeing Sanil's unpleasant expression, he realized he had said the wrong thing.
He quickly shut his mouth.
India has powerful interest groups within its borders, and things could easily go wrong if things aren't handled properly.
Sanil sat in the armchair and said, "This matter cannot end here; India's international reputation must be restored."
Abhishek understood that he wouldn't be able to escape so easily, so he could only ask, "What do we need to do?"
Indians always think differently. Sanil had someone pull out a map of Africa behind him and said, "We need to make Hawke Osment pay the price, but we can't anger the US government, and we also need to make Hawke feel the pain."
Everyone here is well aware that there is currently only one superpower in the world, and that is the United States.
This country is arrogant and domineering, no different from a bandit.
A counterattack is necessary, but it must be kept within certain limits.
Sanil pointed to Ethiopia's location on the map and said, "In recent years, we have vigorously developed our military base in Djibouti and used it as a fulcrum to expand our influence throughout East Africa. Combined with the intelligence from the peacekeeping forces stationed in South Sudan, it can be basically confirmed that Hawke Osmon owns a large security company in Damajing, a city in western Ethiopia."
Abhishek was aware of this, saying, "All security for the UN and AU's Green Africa program was outsourced to Hawke's security company."
Sunil slapped the name of the city of Damakin and said, "Our target is Damakin. We need to completely eliminate Hawke's security company, including its training base and armed personnel."
Abhishek had a bad feeling and warned, "Ethiopia is not like Sudan and Djibouti. It is a black country with a relatively stable political situation and a strong military force. Moreover, we are not the only ones stationed in Djibouti. All five permanent members of the UN Security Council have military bases there. If they mobilize their troops to attack, the consequences will be unimaginable."
“Who said we were going to mobilize regular military forces?” Sanil had already finalized the plan with his superiors. He said, “After our Valley Security Company in Somalia was forced to close, a few years ago we selected some capable retired personnel from the Black Cat Special Forces and sent them to Africa. With the assistance of the peacekeeping forces stationed in Africa, we re-established the Ganges Security Company in South Sudan.”
Abhishek had heard that many of the people who were forced to leave Black Cat due to their involvement in the Mumbai hotel incident had gone there.
Sanil's purpose in coming was very clear. He said, "The higher-ups have decided that you will be in charge of this mission. You will lead an elite team to South Sudan, join forces with the Ganges Security Company, and eliminate Damakin's security company. This way, we can also give the authorities an explanation."
“I’m not good at military matters.” Abhishek really didn’t want to go to Africa. The so-called elite squad was probably just there to monitor him, and there was a chance something might happen there; it wouldn’t be too difficult for someone to die.
But refusal is impossible.
Abhishek made a quick decision, saying with a face full of anger, "The Americans are so despicable and shameless. Hawke Osmont's behavior is worse than that of a robber. They actually dared to rob us. They must pay the price!"
He stood up, with a resolute air: "This is a glorious mission. I will lead the team to Africa and prove to all the countries in the world that those who dare to harm India will pay a heavy price!"
Sunil nodded with satisfaction: "Get ready, we'll meet up with the elite team tomorrow and head straight from Mumbai."
Abhishek had no choice but to obey his superior's orders.
…………
Damajing, Ethiopia.
After attending Hawke's satellite video conference, Andrei immediately convened a meeting with the heads of various departments to inform them of the potential situation and corresponding countermeasures.
As an Indian who had completely sided with Hurricane Company, Wenner also attended the meeting.
Andrei explained the specifics and asked for his opinion.
Recalling his compatriots' usual way of doing things, Wenner said, "If India is going to retaliate, it will definitely take the United States into consideration. The backbone and spirit of the Indian leadership were broken in the war in the 60s. They are very clear about the serious consequences of truly angering a major power. I think India's retaliation is very likely to be directed at us."
He stood up and went to the map, pointing to the locations of Djibouti and South Sudan: "India has military bases here, making it very convenient for them to deploy personnel. We received intelligence long ago that the Indians have rebuilt a security company in South Sudan, and many retired personnel from the Black Cat Special Forces have joined this company. They are skilled in special operations..."
At this point, Wenner thought of the news reports about the Mumbai hotel incident, and even someone like him who betrayed India felt extremely ashamed.
Essin, who is in charge of intelligence work in Black countries, continued, "Our people have already infiltrated South Sudan and have been secretly watching Ganges Security Company. If they make any unusual moves, they won't escape our notice."
Drogba added, "We also have informants in Djibouti."
Andrei nodded slowly, looked at Gonzalez, the head of the technical department, and said, "Los Angeles has informed us that one of Starlink's reconnaissance satellites is changing its orbit and descending in altitude. It will fully cooperate with our reconnaissance and intelligence work. You should be ready to coordinate."
González replied, "Understood."
Andrei's gaze swept over everyone present, and he said, "All personnel are canceling their leave, the base is on the highest alert level, the frequency of reconnaissance drone patrols is doubling, and communication with the Ethiopian military is being strengthened."
In recent years, in addition to its own security and training, Hurricane has done a lot of public relations work, establishing a good relationship with the Ethiopian government. (End of Chapter)