Chapter 88

When Tang Dao received news of John's punishment, he simply nodded without offering any comment. He recognized that some tasks were better left to the professionals, and he preferred to work behind the scenes.

"Boss, the bank in Mogadishu is closed, and we can't withdraw the 300,000 yuan in cash," Robert reported, entering the office with a grim expression. Following Tang Dao's instructions, he had rushed to the banks in Mogadishu, including Barakat Bank and the Central Bank of Somaliland, only to find them temporarily closed due to the ongoing war. The primary reason was Somalia's state of anarchy, making it highly unsafe to deposit money.

The cash had been safely hidden away in advance.

"In that case, prepare a check. The result will be the same," Tang Dao responded after brief contemplation.

Robert acknowledged the order but didn't move immediately. To Tang Dao's curiosity, he retrieved a folded paper from his pocket, unfolded it on the table, and handed it over.

It was a certificate for Somali energy minerals!

"You managed to obtain this?" Tang Dao exclaimed, examining the mineral certificate with text in Italian, though he couldn't understand it. However, he had a feeling that this certificate alone might not be sufficient to secure a loan from the Soviet bank. More compelling evidence might be required.

"I think we need to be more practical here. How about purchasing a few energy mines?" Tang Dao proposed. Seeing Robert's somewhat anxious expression, he continued, "I mean, we can buy some empty mines. It won't cost us much, and we need to pay attention to authenticity and deception, right?"

Robert suddenly comprehended Tang Dao's suggestion and smacked his forehead. He was thrilled, "You're right! We can buy from others, no need to deal with Asamoah; he's too greedy."

"Don't use self-interest to test people's character because no one can resist temptation. It's like not using women to test men unless they're incapable. Otherwise, it's all the same with the lights off," Tang Dao remarked with a smile. "You're in charge of this matter, and I'm giving you a week. If you can't handle it in a week, I'll take over myself."

Robert sensed Tang Dao's trust in him and felt the weight of the responsibility. The boss's message was clear: "Don't disappoint me; this is your chance." He took a deep breath and nodded with determination.

"Go," Tang Dao said, and after Robert left the room, he locked the door.

Sitting back at his desk, Tang Dao knew that the side task of establishing a PMC company had been completed, and he was eligible for a reward.

As he contemplated the rewards, a virtual screen appeared before him, displaying various special forces and organizations, including the SAS, SBS, SEALs, and even fictional units like Task Force 141, Task Force Giant, and Satan Mercenary Corps. Each option made Tang Dao's mouth water, but he was eager to join a reputable European unit and escape Africa.

He paused the scrolling options. Before him was a group photo featuring a well-equipped team in front of a U.S. military Humvee. The team members wore masks, and their gear included German HK weaponry and American Amarit series firearms. In the lower left corner, one member held a "stinger" missile launcher.

They all extended their hands, palms facing the camera, exuding a sense of defiance. Five fingers were visible in each raised hand, which symbolized bad luck in Western culture, often associated with Friday the 13th.

Beneath the photo, it read: "Arctic Fox!"

There was also a brief description of the team: "This force is rather mysterious and little known. It is not a company but a genuine mercenary team comprising only 34 members. Established in 1984, most members are retired US special forces and other European and American special forces veterans. They operate on private contracts and were once paid to assist in Chechnya. Against 1,300 militants, they managed to break through, killing over 100 of them. They've consistently kept their team size at 34; as members leave, they recruit new ones. They are known for their exceptional combat capabilities and are sometimes referred to as 'Special Forces Killers.'"

Tang Dao sensed a profound aura of awesomeness about this team. While many special forces units could handle hostile forces, they often had air support and logistical resources. This arctic fox team, however, seemingly lacked such luxuries. To Tang Dao, this unit appeared to be one of the best choices for his PMC.

Before he could make a final decision, his phone rang.

After waiting for about ten seconds, Tang Dao picked it up. "Hello?"

"Mr. Nicholas?" came a deep voice from the other end, which sounded oddly familiar to Tang Dao.

"Yes, it's me."

"I'm Witt Rodel."

Tang Dao immediately recalled the Caucasian man he had met at the Namibian market. He had invited Witt to join his team, but Witt didn't contact him afterward. Back then, Tang Dao was struggling, and he assumed Witt had declined the offer.

Unexpectedly, Witt was calling now, and Tang Dao wondered what had changed.

"I'm pleased to hear from you again, Witt," Tang Dao replied. Despite not knowing how Witt got his phone number, it was nice to reconnect with an acquaintance.

"Likewise, sir," Witt hesitated for a moment, his voice deep and uncertain. Tang Dao shifted in his chair, urging him to continue. "Is there something I can do for you?"

Witt seemed hesitant, but Tang Dao was open to conversation.

"I've joined a group of mercenaries, but due to a mission failure that resulted in our leader's death, our funding was cut off. Now we're struggling to find missions," Witt explained.

"A mercenary group? What's its name?" Tang Dao asked, intrigued.

"Arctic Fox."

Tang Dao's expression changed instantly. He realized he had personally eliminated the leader of the Arctic Fox team by delivering the contraband to them. Despite this revelation, Tang Dao decided to play it cool. This was an opportunity, and he didn't want to appear overly eager. Opportunities were meant for those who could seize them.

"Tell me about your previous experiences. I'm curious," Tang Dao inquired.

Witt began sharing details about himself and his team, including their origin from the Soviet Union's "Signal Flag," a top-secret training center of the KGB. This information struck a chord with Tang Dao.

"Signal Flag!?" he exclaimed.

Witt's voice trembled slightly as he explained that he had been part of a covert team called "Signal Flag." Few knew about it, even within the Soviet Union. This mysterious unit surpassed even the GRU in secrecy, and the Soviet Union had never officially acknowledged its existence.

Tang Dao, however, was familiar with the "Signal Flag" and its reputation. It had been established secretly on August 19, 1981, and was virtually unknown except to a select few. Even after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, this unit remained a closely guarded secret. Not until 1991, when the Soviet Union was on the brink of collapse, did the world begin to learn about its existence.

"Witt, I really need someone, but I'm curious about your previous experience, can you tell me about it?"

Witt Rodel was taken aback by Tang Dao's request. He held the phone, furrowed his brow, glanced at his teammates nearby, and lowered his voice. "I'm from the Soviet Union's 35690 unit."

Tang Dao felt a sense of familiarity with the number "35690," but he couldn't quite recall its significance.

"It's the former Soviet KGB independent training center," Witt continued.

"Signal flag!?" Tang Dao exclaimed when he heard this address.

Witt's voice wavered slightly as he responded, "Sir, you know about it?"

The Signal Flag unit was shrouded in secrecy and was an extremely obscure entity, even more so than the GRU. The Soviet Union officially denied its existence, much like how the Delta Force remained unacknowledged by the United States.

Until 1991, as the Soviet Union faced collapse, the secrecy surrounding the Signal Flag unit began to unravel. However, the unit had already gained a fearsome reputation worldwide, particularly in the eyes of military enthusiasts. For instance, in 1992, ten Signal Flag members had subdued fourteen armed militants in just ten seconds at Moscow's "Three Stations" subway station. Their remarkable feats included seizing 1 million counterfeit US dollars and their involvement in the first Chechen war.

With a sense of pride, Witt provided more details about the Arctic Fox team.

"Besides myself, there are five members from the SAS, seven from the French Foreign Legion, three from the GCP Paratrooper Commando, and others from renowned special forces such as Germany's GSG9 and France's GIGN. Our team includes experts in explosives, electronic reconnaissance, and sniping. We can handle any mission as long as you provide us with the time, location, and objectives. You have my word."

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