Chapter 21

The tension in the air seemed to ease slightly as Tang Dao presented himself as a different kind of arms dealer, one willing to provide services and support beyond just supplying weapons. His offer to assist with medical care and transportation for the wounded garnered some interest from the mercenaries who had initially surrounded them.

One of the mercenaries, the burly man with the HK21 machine gun, scratched his head and exchanged a few words in their native language with his companions. After a brief discussion, he turned back to Tang Dao and spoke in broken English, "You... you help wounded?"

Tang Dao nodded, maintaining his friendly demeanor. "Yes, we can provide medical supplies, first aid, and transport for the wounded. We're here to assist in any way we can."

The mercenaries continued their conversation, clearly deliberating over this new offer. The idea of having access to medical supplies and assistance on the battlefield was appealing to them, given the perilous nature of their work.

Finally, after a few more minutes of discussion, the burly man nodded and gestured for his men to lower their weapons slightly. He turned back to Tang Dao and said, "Okay, we give you chance. You help wounded. But first, show us what you have."

Tang Dao's heart lightened at the breakthrough. It seemed that his proposal had struck a chord with the mercenaries. He quickly turned to Osborne and Witt, who had been waiting anxiously, and signaled for them to bring out the medical supplies they had packed.

Osborne and Witt began unloading boxes from the BTR-40, revealing a variety of medical equipment, including bandages, antiseptics, splints, and even a basic medical stretcher. Tang Dao explained each item's use as they displayed them.

The mercenaries observed with interest, some of them nodding in approval as they recognized the value of the supplies. The atmosphere was slowly shifting from one of hostility to potential cooperation.

However, Tang Dao was aware that this was just the first step. Building trust with the mercenaries would take more than displaying medical supplies. He needed to prove that his team could deliver on their promises.

As Tang Dao continued to explain the medical equipment, he also made sure to convey their willingness to provide transportation for the wounded and other support services. It was a delicate balance between demonstrating their capabilities and not appearing too eager or intrusive.

The negotiation was still ongoing, but the initial tension had subsided, and there was a glimmer of hope that this encounter might lead to a mutually beneficial partnership on this African battlefield. Tang Dao knew that navigating these unpredictable situations was all part of the game, even if the stakes were higher than he had ever imagined.

As the first mercenary examined the Soviet-made weapons and equipment displayed by Tang Dao's team, his initial skepticism seemed to give way to genuine interest. He appreciated the sturdiness and durability of these rugged tools of war. The conversation shifted toward the origin and quality of the weaponry, and Tang Dao was more than happy to elaborate.

"Yes, these are indeed Soviet products," Tang Dao replied with a hint of pride in his voice. "They may not be the most elegant or refined, but they've proven themselves on battlefields all around the world. Reliable, sturdy, and capable—qualities that matter when lives are on the line."

The mercenary nodded in agreement, acknowledging the importance of such qualities in their line of work. His curiosity was piqued further, and he began asking more detailed questions about specific weapons and ammunition types. Tang Dao provided informative responses, showcasing his knowledge of the arms trade.

This interaction served to break down the initial barriers, and soon, more mercenaries approached to examine the goods. Tang Dao, Osborne, and Witt answered their questions and explained the various weapons and equipment they had brought with them.

In the background, Barcelo and his team kept a watchful eye on the situation, ensuring their safety while remaining open to the possibility of collaboration.

Tang Dao seized this opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to service. He emphasized that they could provide not only weapons and ammunition but also medical supplies, transportation for the wounded, and other support services to make life on the battlefield a bit more manageable.

The atmosphere continued to shift from one of uncertainty to a tentative partnership. The mercenaries were pragmatic individuals, and they recognized the value in having reliable suppliers who understood their needs.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Tang Dao felt a sense of accomplishment. His ambition to establish himself as a dependable arms dealer who could navigate the complexities of the African battlefield was taking shape. He knew that building trust with these mercenaries would require time and effort, but he was determined to prove that his team could deliver on their promises.

With a newfound camaraderie forming and a potential business partnership in the making, Tang Dao couldn't help but feel that this encounter in the heart of Africa was a pivotal moment in his journey as an arms dealer.