Campbell didn't immediately respond but reached out to press the button beside the table.
A minute later, a waiter came in pushing a dining cart with steaks and sides for two.
During the meal, they chatted about inconsequential topics—golf, the latest Congressional hearings, Campbell's daughter's studies at Princeton.
This is the instinct of intelligence personnel, staying vigilant even in the most private occasions.
After the dining cart was pushed away, Campbell locked the door and activated the electronic disruptor under the desk. The room instantly entered signal blocking mode.
"Go ahead," Campbell lit a Cuban cigar, "Your plan."
Pence took a tablet out of his briefcase and pulled up a map of the Northern Darfur Region.
The control zones of several armed organizations were marked in different colors.
"Song Heping currently has two advantages," Pence analyzed, "First, the official protection of the Sudan Government, and second, the air defense system he holds. Sending in Special Forces or drones directly is unrealistic."
He zoomed in on the surrounding area of the Atlon Oasis, "But here lies a natural weakness—at least six major armed factions are competing for gold mines and smuggling routes in this region. Song Heping's camp is situated right at the intersection of two major smuggling routes."
Campbell exhaled a smoke ring, "You want to incite conflict between them?"
"More precisely, arm them to oppose Song Heping," Pence brought up a set of photos, "This is Abdul Hakim, leader of the 'Justice and Peace Movement,' controlling the Huwar Gold Mine; this is Markuer of the 'Sudan Liberation Front,' occupying Dalka Gold Mine. Both are hostile to the Khartoum government but are also rivals to each other."
Pence swiped his fingers over the tablet, displaying two detailed dossiers, "Interestingly, we've just received intelligence that the Sudan Government intends to barter these two gold mines' exploitation rights with Song Heping for more weapons."
Campbell squinted, "Trading with gold mines they can't control?"
"Classic Khartoum-style hand trick," Pence sneered, "But it also gives us an opportunity. If Hakim and Markuer learn that Song Heping is going to take their gold mines..."
"They'll strike first," Campbell followed the thought, "The problem is, these local forces lack heavy weapons and can't deal with Song Heping's professional mercenaries."
Pence revealed a confident expression, "That's where the 'Elder Council' needs to intervene. Provide them with mortars, anti-tank missiles, and portable air defense systems through black market channels. We'll handle the funds and weapons, and they provide manpower."
Campbell pondered for a moment, "What about the risks?"
"Completely deniable," Pence emphasized, "Weapons smuggled through the Libya and Chad routes, funds channeled via shell companies in Dubai. Even if the operation fails, it won't trace back to the United States."
The flickering light of the fireplace cast a dancing shadow on Campbell's face. He slowly extinguished the cigar, making a decision.
"It'll take a minimum of fifty million US Dollars in startup funding," he named a figure, "Also include twenty sets of 'Javelin' anti-tank missiles, fifty RPG-7s, and two thousand AK-103 rifles. Is that enough?"
Pence's heartbeat accelerated—this was double what he expected, "Plenty. We can organize the first wave of assault within two weeks."
Campbell took out a satellite phone from the desk drawer and slid it toward Pence, "Use this to contact our liaison in Chad, code-named 'Shepherd.' He'll arrange the weapons transportation."
Pence took the phone, feeling a long-lost sense of power.
Getting fired by the CIA meant nothing.
He's now working directly for the 'Elder Council,' the real center of power.
"There's a condition," Campbell's voice suddenly turned cold, "This operation must completely eliminate Song Heping and his 'Musician' company. No survivors, no evidence."
Pence nodded, "I suggest letting the local forces initiate a probing attack first, and after Song Heping's air defense system is exposed, we'll use mercenary squads for a precision strike."
"Mercenaries?" Campbell raised an eyebrow.
"The 'EO' company in South Africa has a batch of retired Special Forces experienced in desert warfare," Pence pulled up a dossier, "They've worked with the CIA before but are ostensibly private contractors."
Campbell showed a satisfied expression, "Seems like you've prepared well."
Pence didn't deny it.
In fact, from the moment the drone was shot down, he began conceiving this plan.
Song Heping thinks he's won?
He's celebrating too early!
The game has just begun.
Sudan, Atlon Oasis.
Song Heping crouched in front of the sand table, pointing at the miniature model of the Huwar Gold Mine with the tip of his dagger. Jiang Feng, Ferrari, and other core members sat around, with smoke swirling inside the tent.
"The southeast side of the gold mine is Hakim's main base, stationed with about 400 militants from the 'Justice and Peace Movement,'" Song Heping's dagger tip moved, "The northwest entrance is controlled by his cousin Agiji, equipped with three DShK heavy machine guns."
"Justice and Peace?" Jiang Feng sneered, "I find that these armed organizations all like to come up with grand names."
"How else to rally people?" Hunter said, "Can't exactly call it the 'Evil and Violence' organization, right?"
Jiang Feng laughed, "That's true."
Ferrari gazed at the sand table, whistling, "The Defense Minister is truly generous, gifting us a hard nut to crack."
Jiang Feng furrowed his brow as he studied the sand table, "The Huwar Gold Mine is not that troublesome, more challenging is the Dalka Gold Mine where Markuer has been operating for five years. He has over 500 men and constructed comprehensive underground defenses. A full assault requires at least two battalions of force."
White Bear said, "We only have about two hundred people now. It's going to be a bit tricky to tackle these two hard nuts."
Song Heping straightened up, sheathing his dagger, "Who said we're going to launch a full attack?"
Everyone looked at him in confusion.
Song Heping walked to the corner of the tent, lifted a metal box, and took out a thick pile of documents.
"In the past 48 hours, I've had people gather all intelligence on these two armed organizations."
He spread the documents on the table.
"And found an interesting phenomenon—although Hakim and Markuer are both anti-government, they're also mortal enemies."
Jiang Feng quickly understood his intent, "You want to stir a clash between them?"
"More accurately, help them find a common enemy," Song Heping revealed a cunning smile, "Henry has obtained some intelligence recently, suggesting a mysterious figure has already contacted the 'Justice and Peace Movement' and the 'Sudan Liberation Front.'"
He cast his gaze toward the others.
"Guess who it might be."
Ferrari stood up sharply, "It's definitely the Americans causing trouble; previously, they had a setback, even Pence resigned in disgrace. I guess they couldn't swallow it."
"Smart," Song Heping nodded, "And I bet they'll hint to these two organizations that we're going to grab the gold mines. They'll even provide them weapons and funds to fight us."
Ferrari said, "If they unite against us, it'll be a bit tricky; our two special operations companies in South America will take time to move over. Now everyone connected to us is being monitored, and likely will be watched when crossing other countries. I can only have them smuggle over... It'll take about a month."
The mood inside the tent suddenly became tense.
If no one incited those two armed organizations to attack us, then a month could be waited.
But clearly, there's no time now.
Jiang Feng quickly drew several lines on the map, "If they simultaneously attack from the east and west, we'll be cooked."
Song Heping laughed, "So I plan to send them a big gift."
"What big gift?"
All eyes turned to Song Heping.
"That's a secret for now. I want to think about it tonight and come up with a comprehensive plan."