"You recommend accepting all his conditions?"
"I recommend accepting them all. Samir's lieutenant general rank, the formal designation of the Tenth Border Defense Division, control over Hulmatu, and every item on the equipment list. These are the necessary conditions for him to be able to make the greatest possible impact."
Secretary of State Rice frowned, her fingers tapping the tabletop unconsciously. "Robert, this will set a dangerous precedent in Illiguo. If other militia groups follow suit and blackmail us at critical moments, the entire security architecture will collapse."
"But refusing Song Heping will immediately lead to even more dangerous consequences."
Miller leaned forward, his gaze sweeping across every face. "The fall of Hulmatu won't be an isolated event. It will trigger a chain reaction: the collapse of the situation in the Northwest, a threat to security in the Erbil Region, Persians expanding their sphere of influence in Illiguo, Kurd people growing more alienated, and our regional allies losing confidence. Not to mention the propaganda effect if 1515 wins—they'll announce to the world that they defeated a United States–backed mercenary force. That's a strategic cost we cannot afford."
Central Intelligence Agency Director Simon cleared his throat. "Intelligence assessments support Miller's analysis. We also intercepted communications from 1515's command level. They plan to execute all prisoners immediately after taking Hulmatu and turn it into a propaganda video. The window of time really is closing."
The war room fell into a long silence.
In the end, Clement looked around the room, his gaze finally settling on Gates. "Robert, you're the Defense Minister. What is your final military recommendation?"
Gates took off his glasses and slowly wiped the lenses.
The motion went on for a full thirty seconds, then he put his glasses back on and looked at the image of Hulmatu on the screen—another building was collapsing in an explosion.
"I hate this choice." Gates's voice was bitter. "I hate being blackmailed by a mercenary. I hate admitting our powerlessness in certain regions. I hate even more that we're setting this precedent. But—"
He drew a deep breath. "Compared with losing Hulmatu, losing the Northwest, and possibly losing the entire anti-terror campaign in Illiguo, I'd rather accept this Devil's bargain. I recommend approving Miller's plan."
Rice closed her eyes and opened them a few seconds later. "Diplomatically, this will be a nightmare. But I agree with Robert's judgment—of two evils, choose the lesser. I vote in favor."
Clement nodded. "Anyone else?"
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency raised their hands one after another.
Of the seven, five clearly supported the motion, and two abstained.
"The resolution is adopted." Clement pressed the button to end the recording. "General Duke, you will reach an agreement with Song Heping immediately. Tell him the United States will remember his 'cooperation,' but also ask him to remember this—responsibility and power go hand in hand. Everything he wants depends on his performance tomorrow."
"Yes, sir."
When Miller left the war room, Washington was already at dusk.
He stood by a corridor window in the West Wing of the White House, watching the setting sun stain Lafayette Square the color of blood.
In the distance, the Washington Monument stood tall in the twilight like a white sword thrust into the sky.
Miller suddenly recalled a line he had copied down thirty years ago at the military academy when reading Clausewitz:
"War is the continuation of politics, but what is won on the battlefield may not be kept at the negotiating table; what is lost at the negotiating table often requires ten times the blood to win back."
He pocketed his phone and walked toward the waiting car. The deal was done, but Miller knew this was only the beginning.
Song Heping had gotten what he wanted, the United States had secured the breathing space it desperately needed, and the soldiers in Hulmatu had gained a hope of survival.
As for the price—in this complex game, the bill is always delayed, but it is never canceled.
Night deepened, and the outline of the Pentagon loomed faintly in the distance.
There, behind countless lit windows, new assessments, new plans, and new crises were already brewing.
But tonight—at least tonight—Hulmatu still had hope.