Chapter 28: Lead Operator
Upon arriving at the HFC hideout, I wasn't prepared for the scene that greeted me. Agents lounged in what they called a "tavern," surrounded by clouds of smoke and the sour aroma of alcohol. Fortunately, a guide directed me upstairs to a quieter space, sparing my lungs from the choking haze below.
The guide instructed me to knock on a door in the office section and cautioned me against any provocative actions—the lead operator here was known for sensitivity. I followed his advice, lightly tapping on the door. Inside resembled a typical office setting, nothing unusual. But as I entered, Koyuki, the Lead Operator, sat amidst a cascade of blueprints delineating GOC outpost locations.
A second knock on a nearby table finally captured her attention, prompting her to scatter her papers. "At least knock next time!" she exclaimed, throwing items aside in frustration.
"I did knock," I replied calmly. "You were just too absorbed in the papers to notice."
Her cheeks flushed as she sheepishly collected herself. My silent gaze seemed only to deepen her embarrassment until she busied herself rearranging the scattered documents.
"I was sent by Tokyo; I've been informed you're the lead operator here," I stated, breaking the tension.
Koyuki looked at me with weary eyes. "If you plan to barge in unannounced like that again, I might as well have the guards shoot you," she warned, her voice tinged with exasperation.
I laughed softly. "Relax—I'll avoid repeating that mistake... for now."
Her resigned sigh punctuated the atmosphere as she handed me a document detailing infiltration procedures for the GOC outpost. "I advise against infiltration. Despite having the uniform and a fake ID, crossing into their territory will only tighten security at the borders."
"I did consider that, but what about infiltrating Siam?" I inquired, browsing the document's contents.
She shook her head. "Absolutely not. The GOC has launched Operation Black Saturday in Siam and the Indochina Federation. I can't ensure your safety if you venture there."
"And if I managed to get there, what's the plan? Seeking regime change?" I pondered. "I've heard their monarch is young, possibly susceptible to manipulation."
Reflecting on her words, I gazed out the window. "I don't anticipate radical governmental shifts. The people see their king as a savior or prophet—too delicate to meddle with. My focus is on their military generals."
Her gaze turned suspicious. "Assassinating military generals? That risks destabilizing the region further, empowering radical rebels."
I rose from my seat, gazing out over the bustling streets—the stark juxtaposition between lives lived comfortably here and the relentless suffering elsewhere. Politely excusing myself, I departed the office and the smoke-filled "tavern," stepping into the bustling world outside.
My mission now? To maintain my fictitious identity within the GOC outpost. Arriving at the entrance, GOC soldiers—fully geared—scrutinized me. They waved me in without question, as I began the delicate pretense of belonging.
To be continued...