Chapter 84

The US military base in Mogadishu spanned approximately 10 square kilometers, equivalent to the size of 34 football fields. The facilities had been inherited from the French, including an office building now under Ying Jiang's management.

Unlike civilian administrations, there were no civilian cadres present. The US military had stationed only a company here, resulting in overcrowded dormitories and a somewhat desolate atmosphere. The term "party" here referred to a gathering that took place in a conference room, an unusual location for such events.

As Tang Dao and his team entered the conference room, they found several individuals already present. These attendees hailed from diverse backgrounds, with varying skin tones and languages. However, their cheerful conversation ceased when Tang Dao's group entered the room.

One of the white men at the table rose excitedly upon spotting Cecilio and exclaimed, "Mr. Cecilio."

Cecilio reciprocated the greeting, extending his hand to shake with the enthusiastic individual. The man, identified as Mr. Bernard, then inquired about Tang Dao's identity, to which Tang Dao introduced himself politely.

Bernard proceeded to elaborate on their relationship, highlighting the potential for collaboration with Swiss Sig Corporation. However, it was evident that their peers in the room were cautious and somewhat distant, suggesting that they were all here for their share of Somalia's arms trade.

The conversation took a turn when Grant Ward, a lieutenant colonel known as "Medicine Cartridge," entered the room. His appearance was marked by an unconventional hairstyle and a cigarette dangling from his mouth. Grant introduced himself, acknowledging that people could also address him as Mr. Grant but expressing his dislike for the formal title.

As Grant began to address the group, he emphasized the need for peace in Somalia. He revealed that he possessed evidence of their arms trafficking activities and proposed that their shipment lists be submitted to him for review to ensure that large artillery was not being sold, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace.

Tang Dao observed the room's dynamics and sensed a shift in the atmosphere. Grant's proposal seemed to target the arms dealers present, including Tang Dao himself. Grant made it clear that he aimed to prevent the free flow of arms in Somalia.

Tang Dao responded with a question, asking whether Grant's stance represented the United States or Grant himself. Grant retorted with his commitment to peace and claimed that their presence in Somalia aimed to help the locals.

Tang Dao nodded and expressed his agreement, and others in the room followed suit. However, they couldn't help but pity Tang Dao for being the target, believing that the world had a tendency to single out individuals like him.

The meeting continued with a sense of unease and uncertainty, as Tang Dao found himself in a precarious position among his peers and a US military officer determined to control arms trafficking in Somalia.