abcnovels
Chapter 233
Chapter 233
Chapter 233
February 13th, 2021, 17:20
Seoul, Jongro-ku, Blue House, National Emergency Situation Center bunker. The President’s Office
When Chairman Kang Ui-sik and Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il arrived at the Blue House and entered the president’s office, Prime Minister Lee Yong-ho, Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-hak, Minister of Justice Lee Jae-soo, Secretary of the NIS Na Bong-il, National Security Director Oh Jang-soo, and Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae were already waiting for them. Vice President Kim Yeo-jung, who was second in command, had gone to Pyeongyang to check on the progress of the northern state’s recovery, so she was absent.
The two men who had arrived on the scene were the latest despite being the lowest-ranked. Chairman Kang and Vice-chairman Choi both had an apologetic expression on their faces before taking a seat. Chairman Kang spoke up.
“I apologize, Mr. President sir! We came here as quickly as we could.”
The president shook his hands. “No, Chairman Kang. You’re mistaken. I have contacted everyone here before you, that is why they are early. How would I dare waste the time of the men who are tasked with the most important task in Corea?”
“No, Mr. President. I am just doing my duty as a soldier.”
“Very well. Now that everyone is here, Secretary Na! Let’s begin.”
As soon as the president finished speaking, Secretary Na Bong-il stood up from his seat and stepped up to the screen hanging on the wall.
“The information you are about to see is an SS ranked secret. Please keep that in mind.”
The screen lit up to show the scene of the ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of independence at Pyeongyang on August 15th, 2015. Then, the footage paused after showing the ceremony turning into a scene of chaos after the terrorist bombing. A large title read: “The details of the Pyeongyang terrorist bombing” showed up at the center.
When the investigation about the 8.15 Pyeongyang terrorist attack before the unification was finished, it was determined that Vice-chairman Lee Byung-chul was the one behind the attack and that an unknown organization had been backing him. However, this information was an S ranked national secret. So, only the government officials in the president’s office and a few other members were aware of this fact.
However, the contents showing up on the TV along with Secretary Na Bong-il’s explanation had revealed the hidden truth behind the 8.15 Pyeongyang terrorist attack.
Secretary Na Bong-il’s presentation was over in about 20 minutes. Excluding President Suh Hyun-woo, everyone seemed to have taken a hard hit to the gut and was silent for a long time. The shock they had felt was that severe. President Suh Hyun-woo slowly looked around the room and spoke.
“I am sure everyone is in shock. I was as well. However, what can we do? It’s the truth. I would like to hear everyone’s opinion.”
“It feels like watching a film from Hollywood.” Prime Minister Lee Young-ho laughed feebly and broke the silence.
National Security Director Oh Jang-soo spoke up in a firm tone. “We must notify every nation across the world about this heinous act. The world needs to know the illegal activities that America has done. They are like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
“What do you think Minister Kim Jae-hak?” The president asked a question to Minister Kim Jae-hak from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“This is truly unbelievable. How could our ally, America could do such a thing? I suppose you would like me to give a diplomatic opinion, sir?”
“Yes.”
“If we alert the entire world of this fact, the consequences would be catastrophic. However, what concerns me is that we lack evidence about that USSC organization. All that we can base things on are a few photos and the confession from the Japanese man Yagumachi Genzo, are they not? If we are not careful, we might get the blame instead.”
“Why, Minister Kim! Aren’t these more than enough proof? Lee Byung-chul received money through a Swiss bank account and we have phone records that he called Washington repeatedly! Also, we have a confession that could back that up, along with photographs that clearly show the USSC’s emblem. Isn’t that more than enough?” National Security Director Oh Jang-soo raised his voice so much that his blood vessel from his neck could be seen.
“Everyone, please calm down. Opinions could differ. What do you think, Minister Lee Jae-soo?”
When the atmosphere of the room became heated, the president interjected and asked the opinion of the Minister of Justice.
“Mr. President! Based on this evidence and the confession, I think it would be more than enough to alert the world press. However, there is the issue of international political sentiment. Usually, the powerful nations are the ones that have the sway.”
“America is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and is the most powerful nation in both the military and economy. Also, many European nations would follow America as well.”
“As Minister Kim has said, if we hastily reveal the issue, America could accuse our nation a terrorist nation getting in their way of trying to maintain peace. Therefore, that would give them an excuse to attack our nation in turn.” Minister of Justice Lee Jae-soo gave his own opinion without swaying to a certain side.
Secretary Na Bong-il, who had been only listening to the conversation, added on another shocking fact. “We are still investigating the matter, but it seems that Prime Minister Abe was also assassinated by the USSC.”
Minister Kim Jae-hak asked another question. “Is this true? Do you have any proof on the matter?”
“There is no hard evidence yet, but we are doing all we can to obtain them.”
“This USSC organization is truly frightening, they don’t seem to be a rational organization.” Prime Minister Lee Young-ho clicked his tongue and shook his head.
Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo, who was silent this whole time, finally spoke. “As you have said, prime minister, the USSC is obviously an irrational organization. What kind of nation could take such unreasonable actions? Also, if the USSC knows about our intel, then our government officials could also be in danger as well.”
“That is right. I wholeheartedly agree with Minister Kang Hyun-soo’s words.” National Security Director Lee Jang-soo chimed in.
“Can I say a few words?” Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il, who was the lowest-ranked among those in attendance, raised his hand and spoke.
“Of course, Vice-chairman Choi. Please.”
“Thank you, Mr. President.”
Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il stood up from his seat and spoke in a firm tone like the soldier he was. “I believe the milk has already been spilled. The USSC organization that rules over the American government has committed a terrorist attack on Pyeongyang and killed President Ahn Hyung-joon, and Chairman Kim Jeong-un, did they not?
If we leave those USSC bastards, who have committed heinous acts of crime alone, then we don’t know what they could do to our nation in the future. Am I wrong?
Also, if they were the ones that assassinated Prime Minister Abe, then we must be even wearier. Whether we face the consequences now or later, I believe we must fight against the USSC bastards.” Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il gave his opinion in a heated manner and sat down.
President Suh Hyun-woo’s gaze naturally turned towards Chairman Kang Ui-sik. He noticed the president glancing at him and carefully began to speak. “I agree with Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il. Even if our government does stay quiet, the USSC organization will do unimaginable acts to hide their secrets. Also, if an unexpected accident were to happen, we would face grave danger. However, I believe we must keep the fact the USSC organization was the one behind the Pyeongyang terrorist attack and its identity a secret. Instead, I think we should use it as a last hidden card so we can ensure a military victory against America, sir.”
Chairman Kang Ui-sik’s opinion was rigid and calculated.
“That’s a good suggestion.” The president nodded his head showed his agreement with Chairman Kang.
“Thanks for all of your inputs. So, I suppose the Joint Chief of Staff is preparing for a military clash against America if things get worse, correct?”
“That is right, Mr. President.”
“Very well. Let’s come up with a conclusion about today. The USSC organization’s identity and its involvement in terror, and its assassination of Prime Minister Abe will be used to deliver the final blow based on the situation. Also, every vice-minister and chairman will be set to a security level 1 and have bodyguards following them. Finally, the Joint Chief of Staff is to actively respond towards any military clashes against America from this point.”
“Yes, Mr. President.”
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February 13th, 2021, 17:30 (U.S.T 04:30)
A building in the suburb of Washington D.C. (the USSC’s villa)
Thirteen people in black masks were sitting around the round meeting room table and started the conversation with a heavy topic.
“Isn’t the answer obvious? We must take them down with our strength.” Mars, the president of the NRA and a member of the USSC, must have thought this was his chance and gave his opinion in a firm tone.
“Without a thorough investigation of Corea’s military power and new technology from the CIA, it would be too hasty to start a war against Corea.” Black King, the youngest of the 13 members, quietly gave his opposition to Mars’ statement.
Mars responded angrily.
“Black King! Then should we just leave Corea alone despite them knowing our secrets?”
“Mars! I am only saying it wouldn’t be late to wage war after we figure out the enemy’s military capabilities. Stop being so emotional.”
Since he could not come up with a better response, Mars sighed and fell silent. Chairman Victoria of the USSC glanced at the other members.
“I would like to hear the opinions of the other members.”
“No matter how much Corea has improved its military technology, how much better could it possibly be? Also, if we are concerned about the military power of Corea, shouldn’t we deal with them now?”
Among the USSC council members, Mars and Rudolph were the hardliners. When Rudolph spoke, Columbus, the oldest and also a hardliner, chimed in.
“That’s right. Everything has its time. I believe now is the time to teach Corea a lesson.”
“If Corea were to alert the world press, then what are we to do?” Amazon, another female member of the USSC, spoke after being silent for a long time. Lupin, the USSC’s intelligence director, answered instead of Chairman Victoria.
“Honestly, without Yagumachi Genzo’s confession, I am sure they have no other evidence against us. Even if Corea does alert the world about our involvement in the 8.15 Pyeongyang terrorist bombing as Amazon said, if we use our intelligence capabilities and relations with allying nations, then we would be able to bury Corea’s reputation for conspiring against us.”
“Is that possible Lupin?”
“We would have to use all of our finances, intelligence, and strength, but it is possible.”
Sphinx, who had previously failed in the assassination of Vice-chairman Kim Young-chul by using Lee Byung-chul as his agent, lost the privilege to speak, so he could only listen. However, he had a smile on his face.
“Does anyone else have any other suggestion?” Chairman Victoria glanced at the 12 people in black masks and asked.
“If not, I would like to start the vote. All in favor of warring against Corea, raise their hand.”
Many people seated at the round table raised their hands.
“Six for and six against. I also agree on this matter.” Victoria raised her hand when the vote was tied.
“With seven votes for, I approve the war against Corea. Beethoven and Julian, I would like you to handle congress. Chessman, please tell President Trump about our decision as soon as our meeting is over.”
“Yes, madam chairman.”
“Now! I would like all of you to conduct your duties as quickly as possible.”