Chapter 1686: The Operation Commences
On any given day, the diurnal temperature variation in a desert was extremely large. In the day, temperatures could hit peaks of forty to fifty degrees Celsius, while at night temperatures could drop to negative twenty or thirty degrees Celsius. Even the well-trained soldiers were not able to take it.
Xu Zhenyu was fully decked out in military gear, with a uniform, bulletproof vest, helmet, utility belt and a field pack on him. He looked like a rugged soldier, mighty and brave on the battlefield.
As for the rest of the soldiers partic.i.p.ating in the mission, they were in full military gear as well. They fell in two neat rows, ready for their’s captain’s inspection.
Xu Zhenyu stood in front of everyone in an imposing and dignified manner. “I’ve received news from a third party that on the day after tomorrow, Ghost Snake and Iraq’s XX armed personnel’s leaders will meet for diplomatic relations and to discuss matters of cooperation. XX armed personnel has always been Iraq’s anti-government force, and they planned many terrorist attacks. They launched many attacks on the innocent, which led to the deaths of many.”
Xu Zhenyu’s voice was somber and serious, and all who heard it felt the gravity of his words.
Ever since the improvisational battle plan was confirmed, Ninth Si’s coordinating instructions were also delivered to him. He had been researching how the two sides could cooperate to improve their improvisational battle plan. He sought perfection so as to increase the chances of success of the mission while reducing the risks, avoiding deaths as far as possible.
Over this time, he was highly stressed.
All of the soldiers knew that the mission was about to begin anytime soon, and they were all just tensed up and patiently waiting for their next instructions.
“Ghost Snake is an internationally wanted criminal, and if he really works with XX armed personnel to achieve their goals, this will lead to war in Iraq. World peace will also be affected. Hence, our mission is known as the Envoy’s Mission, because we are not only serving our nation, but we have a greater calling in working towards world peace.”
Xu Zhenyu gazed across at everyone.
Over some time of interaction, he had managed to remember every soldier’s name and callsign.
Xu Zhenyu suddenly asked loudly, “Everyone, tell me, what does it mean to be a soldier?”
“Soldiers are those who train with their blood, sweat, and tears to create a disciplined unit. When it is time to prepare for war against the invaders, we will protect the country’s peace and prosperity. We are courageous warriors who will answer to the country’s calling by sacrificing anytime!”
Everyone enthusiastically broke into applause, and those of different countries and languages were gathered here together with the same unmoving belief.
“Now, we will read the Soldier’s Pledge. This may be your last time pledging your allegiance for the country and its people, so do it with pride and honor.”
Xu Zhenyu’s voice was serious, and as he looked at the faces of his soldiers, even though they were of different countries, races, faiths, and cultures, they always had the same look of pride and glory on their faces at any time, which was the pride of a soldier.
“Ae a soldier, I feel proud and honorable at all times. I love and am pa.s.sionate about the party, the country, the People’s Liberation Army. I am willing to dedicate all efforts to my country, to serve the people… I am determined to carry out and follow my orders and command. I will fight bravely, unafraid of sacrifice… the oaths I just made, will be resolutely fulfilled, and never violated.”
The soldiers looked up proudly, and with a salute, they honorably did their pledge before the battle.
Ever since they were posted here on a.s.signment and stepped foot onto a foreign country, they had already mentally prepared to sacrifice and were willing to give their lives for the country. Hence, they were courageous and brave.
Just like all of them, Xu Zhenyu did the ceremonial pledge as well.
Listening to the familiar words of the pledge, Xu Zhenyu thought back to the time when he decided to join the army without any hesitation or qualms.
In the past, he did it just to reject Grandpa’s arrangements for him as he felt that his life had been planned out from birth, and this left him with no autonomy to choose his own future.
But when he truly joined the army, he found out that being a soldier was a job for those of character and was a charismatic job. When he wore the uniform, he always felt a huge amount of pride and glory, bearing a sense of responsibility to serve the nation and its people. At all times, he felt proud and honored.
He never changed his mind about it.
End of the pledge.
Xu Zhenyu suddenly raised his voice and roared. “Does everyone have the confidence that we can complete this sacred and glorious task that was given by the country?”
The men roared, with low, deep, stable and bold voices.
“Yes!”
The roar of the soldiers was like a dragon that had just awakened, sounding to the edges of the world and moved the mountains and rivers.
“Now, we’ll do one last inspection of our gear. Check that you have everything you need. Also, check whether you have any form of identification on your body or anything that represents your race or citizens.h.i.+p. If you do, destroy them.”
It wasn’t Xu Zhenyu’s first time on an outbound mission.
Every time he gave such orders, his heart felt heavy.
Because he knew that the moment he gave such orders, their uniform and gear would be their graveclothes. Where they lied would be where their grave would be, and upon their sacrifice, they would have no name, no country, and no faith. Their loved ones would only know that they sacrificed themselves for the country, but would never know what kind of sacrifice and where.
Those who lived on would receive a medal of merit.
Those who pa.s.sed on would only be nameless heroes who would not be able to even return home.
The soldiers checked themselves and their gear carefully.
“Reporting, Sir. The gear and carry-on inspection have been completed. Nothing amiss!”
“…”
Each and every report sounded out to Xu Zhenyu.
After the final report, Xu Zhenyu relaxed his fierce expression and said, “Today, everyone is gathered here. I don’t care which country you are from. Since I’m the commander in charge of this mission, all of you are my soldiers. All soldiers under me must follow my rules strictly. Jiang Hongjie, come out.”
Xu Zhenyu said angrily.
Trooper Jiang Hongjie, a sniper rifle in hand, walked out of the file and stood at attention. “Reporting, sir, Jiang Hongjie here!”
Xu Chenyu ordered. “State all my rules for everyone to hear!”
Jiang Hongjie stood up straight and replied, “Yes!” Afterward, he turned back and stood at attention, with both his arms at the side of his legs, which was the exemplary posture for a soldier. “Firstly, do not get injured easily. Secondly, do not get injured easily. Thirdly, do not get injured easily!”
Jiang Hongjie then repeated it again in English.
Xu Zhenyu asked loudly, “Everybody understands?”
“Understood!” The soldiers replied resoundingly.
Xu Zhenyu then swept his gaze across the place and looked at each of their fearless faces. “I now hereby announce, the Envoy’s Mission will now commence. Everybody will follow the original improvisational battle plan. Everyone is to get into their positions and obey the deployment plan. When the mission is ongoing, you are allowed to change the battle plan accordingly. Everyone must remain contactable at all times, and…” Xu Zhenyu stopped for a moment and said, “I hope that everyone can make it back safely.”