585 Go Back to the Negotiation Table (1/2)
Chapter 585: Go Back to the Negotiation Table
Translator: _Min_Editor: Rundi
The aircraft carrier battle group began to mobilize in the west Pacific direction with the fighter jets constantly taking off from the carrier to increase the patrol frequency in public waters. At the same time, a bomber was deployed at the nearby military base.
Two ”ocean fortresses” clamped down on Xin's water, but it made Jiang Chen feel relieved.
The attack postures meant that they don't plant to actually attack. Or else they would not mobilize their aircraft carrier battle group and the bomber, but their nuclear submarine to launch the cruise missile.
Jiang Chen knew clearly that with just two Guardian-class frigates and the ultra-speed cruising Aurora-20s were not enough to win against the five thugs, the weapons would at most make them be extra cautious. Technology is always only an element of the war, but not everything that dictates the outcome of the war, unless the technology is powerful enough to change the structure of the war.
An Aurora-20 could simultaneously face five FA-50s, 50 Mustangs, but it would be a stretch to go against three fifth general fighters at the same time. Just like the Axis' ME262 Turbo Jet against the propeller planes of the Allies, although it caused the Allies some problems, it didn't fundamentally change the outcome of the war.
Since both sides didn't want to fight, then what's left was negotiations.
…
City K, Jiang Chen arrived at MLL Island by AN-12 cargo plane.
Ivan was there to greet him. He was the acting chief commander at MLL Island.
The AN-12 was a Russian product sold at 50 million USD for two. Celestial Trade had been using them as transportation of humanitarian aids and weapons used to maintain humanitarianism. Out of the five thugs, only Russia was willing to sell firearms to Xin.
On the side of the airport, Jiang Chen saw four captured OV-10 ”Mustang” fighters as well as a Boeing commercial plane that had been abandoned for who knows how long. Under the air suppression by the Aurora-20s, the four fighters didn't have the opportunity to take off before they were captured by the Moro guerillas.
Santos generously offered Jiang Chen two of them since both parties captured them together, but Jiang Chen thanked and rejected the offer.
The antique and second handed stuff that participated in the Vietnam war, Jiang Chen didn't even have the interest to modify it.
Sitting in the army green Jeep, Jiang Chen began to inquire Ivan about the stats.
”The airstrike consumed around 60 thousand rounds of aviation bullets, 37 bombs, 15 midrange air-to-ground missiles, 17 closerange air-to-air missiles…”
”Close to 100 million USD? War certainly burns through money.” Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes and watched the desolated streets outside the window.
That was just the airstrike part, the cost to this war far exceeded 100 million USD. But as soon as Jiang Chen thought about his Celestial Trade destroying the F air force, land force, and navy with a military budget of 500 million per year, he was relieved.
Especially Moro who achieved its dream of independence will use MLL Island's rich resources to pay for the bill of the war.
”What about the casualty number?”
”Only 11 fatalities, the soldiers in critical condition are sent to Coro Island for treatment… the smart medical pod is great.”
”It is a Future product after all. Also, make sure you take care of the family of the deceased soldiers, we can't let down our soldiers,” Jiang Chen ordered.
”Roger!” Ivan nodded.
The Jeep entered the city. The blinding sunlight didn't feel like the apocalypse at all. All major road and highway were controlled by Moro soldiers with protective suits and anti-poison masks provided by Celestial Trade. They were equipped with rifles and cautiously watching the blank faces stained with blood outside of the barbed fences.
The safe zone was currently under the control of Celestial Trade. The kinetic skeleton soldier checked Ivan's identity, saluted before letting the car pass.
The Jeep passed through the safe zone under the warm welcome of the survivors. Jiang Chen and Ivan then arrived at the port in City K and met the delegation sent by the Aquino government. The Aquino government could not withstand the anti-war sentiment as well as the protest from the family of the captured soldiers. It was forced to give up their firm stance to discuss the terms of releasing the captives.