Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 265: Tension Mounting

March 28th, 2028.

In the Oval Office of the White House, the atmosphere was tense. Elizabeth Turner, the Director of the CIA, sat across from President Thomas Greene. The President's desk was cluttered with reports and files, which seemed to be something that was stealing the President's attention the whole day.

President Greene looked up from the file he was reading, his expression grave. "Elizabeth, you mentioned you had urgent news."

Elizabeth nodded, her face serious. "Yes, Mr. President. It's about the agents we sent to the Philippines to gather intelligence on Michael Reyes and his advanced technology."

President Greene leaned forward, his interest piqued. "What about them?"

Elizabeth took a deep breath before continuing. "Both agents have gone MIA. We lost contact with them a few days ago. Our last communication indicated they were close to uncovering significant information about Reyes' operations."

The President's expression darkened. "MIA? How could this happen?"

"We're still piecing it together, but it seems likely they've been compromised. Reyes' security is more formidable than we anticipated," Elizabeth explained. "Our agents were highly skilled, but it appears they underestimated the extent of his resources and the loyalty of his personnel."

President Greene sat back in his chair, processing the information. "First of all, do you have proof that it was Mr. Reyes's men who nabbed our CIA agents? Because all I am hearing is it's speculative. Yes, they are gone, but we need concrete evidence before we escalate this."

Elizabeth nodded, understanding the President's caution. "You're right, Mr. President. While we don't have definitive proof yet, our intelligence points strongly in that direction. The timing and circumstances of their disappearance align too closely with their investigation into Reyes."

President Greene sighed, tapping his fingers on the desk. "This situation is getting more complicated by the day. I was just about to call the President of the Philippines to get a single unit of those missiles. The Department of Defense urged me to do so."

"Then do that, Mr. President. For me, I will wait a week. If my agents didn't contact me at that point, I'll assume the worst and escalate our investigation," Elizabeth said.

President Greene nodded. "Alright, Elizabeth. Proceed with your plan. Keep everything under the radar for now. We can't let this turn into an international incident unless absolutely necessary."

"Understood, Mr. President. I'll keep you updated on any developments," Elizabeth replied, standing up to leave.

As she exited the Oval Office, President Greene dialed his Chief of Staff.

"Get me in line with the President of the Philippines, tell him it's urgent," President Greene said.

Elizabeth returned to her office and immediately convened a meeting with her top operatives. The room was filled with experienced agents and analysts, all focused on the task at hand.

"We have a critical situation," Elizabeth began, addressing the group. "Our agents in the Philippines have gone missing while investigating Michael Reyes. We need to locate them and gather concrete evidence on Reyes' operations. This is our top priority."

One of the senior analysts spoke up. "Do we have any leads on their last known location or who might be responsible?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Their last communication indicated they were close to uncovering significant information about Reyes' technology. We suspect Reyes' security team is involved, but we need proof. I want all available resources dedicated to finding our agents and monitoring Reyes' communications. We need to know everything he's up to."

Another operative added, "We should also increase surveillance on Reyes' known associates and business partners. If there's a powerful entity backing him, they might slip up and give us a lead."

"Good point," Elizabeth agreed. "Let's also coordinate with our allies in the region. They might have information that could help us. Remember, we need to be discreet. This investigation stays off the radar until we have solid evidence."

The team nodded in agreement, their determination evident. Elizabeth continued, "Time is of the essence. We have one week to find our agents and gather the evidence we need. Let's get to work."

Meanwhile, in the Oval Office, President Greene was connected to the President of the Philippines.

"Mr. President," Greene began, "thank you for taking my call. I understand you're very busy, but I have an urgent matter to discuss regarding Michael Reyes and his recent advancements in missile technology."

The President of the Philippines responded, "Of course, President Greene. What seems to be the issue?"

Greene took a deep breath. "We are interested in acquiring one of Reyes' missile units for evaluation by our Department of Defense. Given the recent developments and our defense strategies, we believe this could be beneficial for both our nations."

The President of the Philippines paused for a moment before replying, "I understand your concerns, President Greene. However, Reyes Corporation's contracts are tightly controlled, and sharing this technology requires careful consideration. Let me discuss this with my advisors and Reyes himself. I'll get back to you as soon as possible."

"Mr. President, come on, you don't have to do that. We are partners militarily. We have been pushing China back from your territories for years. I think it's only fair that you accommodate our request."

The President of the Philippines sighed. "I understand your position, President Greene, and I value our partnership. But this technology is highly sensitive. I'll still need to discuss it with my advisors and Mr. Reyes."

President Greene nodded, though frustration was evident in his eyes. "I appreciate your consideration. Please expedite your decision. This matter is of utmost importance to our national security."

The call ended, and President Greene leaned back in his chair. He reviewed the latest update on the tension between the Philippines and China. Just like previous incidents, Chinese vessels were fishing inside the Philippine Economic Zone and they are harassing Filipino fishermen and using water cannons to drive them away.

It's been going on for years and he knew very well that China is using the creeping normality strategy. They were gradually increasing their presence and pressure in the South China Sea, making aggressive actions seem routine and normal over time. This tactic was aimed at slowly eroding the sovereignty of the Philippines without provoking a strong international response.

Of course, if China were to take drastic measures such as sinking a Filipino ship, then there is a high chance that the Philippines might respond and then pull the United States into a war.

The United States also knew that a war against China would be a major conflict similar to World War 2, and it is the only power in the world that could rival the U.S. both militarily and economically. It's a war that the United States can win, but if they are going to win, the war must start soon because if it's later, the United States might not have the strength to win.