[i][b]Auxiliary Post to Mission Four Introduction[/b][/i]

[quote]Hello, America! Wow... What a night, eh?

I'd like to thank my wife and daughters, who've tolerated me throughout this entire campaign. I'd like to thank Christ, who's tolerated me a tad longer. Keith out there, my coordinator. Yeah, he's as flabbergasted as I am! To each individual listening tonight, without whom the margins would be yet further razor thin! Also to Mayor Rodriguez. You fought with honor. In this day and age, I deeply respect that.

Both of us recognize rightly that the United States of America is good, a beacon of liberty and prosperity. Today we decided as a nation that she is a force for good. The more of the world we influence, the better it becomes. Now, darkness has covered the planet. I promise you, tyranny shall not have the last say. We will not hide our light under a bushel! The world will witness our qualities! God bless you all! God bless the USA![/quote]


[b]Mischief Reef - Remote Operations - 11/9/2022, 13:25 UTC +8[/b]

Strange locations often unnerved Adrián, though this was a slight upgrade. The quarters on Mischief Reef were cleared of Chinese hardware and refitted with trustworthy, compatible home computers: a mishmash of old and new. Admiral Abasolo paused his computer work momentarily to view the small television screen in his overly sized office. His countenance bore no elation, merely a curt nod before closing desktop windows and opening others. His fingers furiously clacked away at the keyboard.

From her own smaller compartment, Jasmine piped, "New orders, sir?"

[color=aba000]"I'll manage this time, thank you,"[/color] Abasolo continued. [color=aba000]"Continue the back burner duties."[/color] His typing was interrupted by the distinct popping of a cork. His eyes shot upward to find Bautista in the doorway. The clinking of glass crystal heralded Bautista's intentions, and Abasolo reacted accordingly. [color=aba000]"What are you doing, Lieutenant General?"[/color]

"What do you think, Rear Admiral?" Bayani replied. [color=f26522]"Celebrating! Didn't you hear the news?"[/color]

Abasolo directed a finger to the television screen and resumed progress. [color=aba000]"It's the early afternoon, Bautista. It's uncouth to drink during work hours. We can raise festivities later."[/color]

Bautista chortled. [color=f26522]"The Americans will double their support, and might intervene on our behalf! An afternoon off is well warranted. We need not carry the burden of war by ourselves!"[/color] Bautista placed his cups on Jasmine's desk and began to pour. [color=f26522]"I brought a cup for each of us!"[/color]

[color=aba000]"Nonetheless, for significant events, we should attend our posts."[/color]

The chivalrous Bautista offered the first drink to Jasmine. [color=f26522]"What for?"[/color]

The phone rang on Jasmine's desk. She answered it promptly. "Rear Admiral Abasolo's forward operating desk." She looked up at Bautista's face. "Yes, he's here. Why, may I ask?" She gazed off into the distance, then retrieved a pen and paper. After mhms, yeses, and a flurry of scribbling, she promised that "I'll relay the information, sir." She hung up the phone. "The Kingdom of Cambodia reports a breakthrough in negotiations. Laos confirms it. The PRC have requested a ceasefire. The Kingdom offers to host negotiations."

Bayani, realizing that he alone was interested in revelry, lifted his own glass. [color=f26522]"To hell with the Chinese! They're scared for the first time in this conflict. I see no reason why we ought to placate them when we have the advantage! They certainly wouldn't have returned the favor."[/color]

Abasolo wriggled his nose and sniffled. [color=aba000]"Do you have any family, Lieutenant General?"[/color]

Bayani shrugged. [color=f26522]"My spouse at home."[/color]

[color=aba000]"I'd prefer to conclude this war with our sovereign territory intact, without losing further close relatives."[/color] He glanced aside at a deflated Jasmine. [color=aba000]"We've already lost far too many, and revenge is hardly a way to mitigate that."[/color] He clicked on mouse buttons. [color=aba000]"And sent. I will say it's curious that the Cambodians talked with the Chinese before informing us. Our talks broke down almost instantly, as did those of most of our allies."[/color]

[color=f26522]"The king passed away recently, didn't he?"[/color] stated Bautista. [color=f26522]"That's the extent of my knowledge about the place, anyways. Perhaps it weakened their will."[/color]

[color=aba000]"Take it with a grain of salt, then. I'll keep it under advisement as I write my recommendation to the-"[/color]

"Sir," Jasmine interrupted, raising her hand. "I received a missive from the Department of Foreign Affairs. They've already accepted, and they request support from our Arms Masters."

Bautista nodded. [color=f26522]"We've gained quite the reputation, it seems, for our accomplishments."[/color]

[color=aba000]"Indeed,"[/color] Abasolo concurred. [color=aba000]"And protection is not unwise."[/color]

"Shall I go inform the troops, then?" Jasmine volunteered.

[color=aba000]"No, let Noel handle this. He could use the leadership opportunities. 1800 hours."[/color] As Jasmine reached for her telephone, Adrián assured her, [color=aba000]"I can handle it."[/color]


[b]Phnom Penh - National Assembly - 12:25 UTC +7 [/b]

Tola Chey swallowed as big text flashed across the bottom of the live feed from the United States. His shaky hands reached into his coat pocket for a handkerchief, which he used to daub his brow. He exhaled as an aide approached him. "Is something wrong, Assemblyman?"

Chey met her eyes. As a member of FUNCINPEC, he was always a dissident on a wide gamut of measures, but nowadays speaking out was dangerous. "What's your name?"

"Phuong Keo, Assemblyman."

"And how loyal are you?"

She cocked her head. "Sir? To... to what, sir?"

Truth be told, Tola didn't quite know himself. "To Cambodia."

She considered the implications, then nodded. "Very, Assemblyman."

Tola exhaled in relief. The answer revealed nothing, but the reflection told everything. He looked around his office. Bugged, probably. "Let's take a walk, Phuong Keo."

They traversed the halls of the National Assembly. Clogging the artery was a large band of Chinese muckety-mucks, talking with their Cambodian counterparts. Chey drew Keo aside as the gathering sauntered past them to acquire lunch. "Is this in preparation for the convention everyone's talked about?" Keo asked, innocently.

Chey resumed walking. "Sure, sure," he dismissed.

The development site at the building's side wasn't amenable to much, but sparingly few people used it for a meeting place. Any construction workers would've taken five to enjoy their midday num pang. It was perfect. Chey could no longer keep his reservations reserved. "We're playing with fire. The Chinese, the Americans. We kept the war a distant diversion, handing it off to the Filipinos and the Vietnamese, but soon we'll be the epicenter. I alone notice it. It's tearing me apart inside." His face turned ghastly pale.

Keo was ill prepared for confidence of this magnitude. Her jaw dropped, yet no sound came from it. After a minute, she replied, "So what's your plan?"

"Plan?" Chey scoffed. "There is none! Only death!"

At that point, the two heard sounds of powerful motors from mighty vehicles. Keo grinned. "Please don't worry, Assemblyman. The new tanks will protect us if something goes awry!"

Chey adjusted his neck collar. "Yes, that's what I'm afraid of."

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