161: Chapter 161 Last-minute preparations! Emergency reorganization of the National Defense Force!

The atmosphere in the meeting room was stifling.

Lin Zhou repeated Director Zhou's warning. The four people present—Qin Yue, Chen Yuan, Zhang Zhe, and He Jun—each looked worse than the last.

"A tribal coalition plus the Sudanese government army? And the Americans are handing them the knives behind the scenes?" Chen Yuan, the old finance expert, was the first to jump up. "This is a hellish starting scenario! The money in our treasury isn't even enough to fill the gaps in their teeth!"

"Legally, we are on solid ground. Bir Tawil is internationally recognized as terra nullius, and the handover from Egypt was even filed with the African Union." Zhang Zhe adjusted his glasses, his tone heavy. "But the problem is, international law is just a piece of waste paper in the face of absolute force. If they really want to attack you, isn't it easy to find an excuse?"

Qin Yue frowned tightly. "There is very little room for diplomatic maneuvering. The Sudanese government has already been infiltrated, and the tribes only recognize fists and money. The Americans are clearly trying to use Sudan's hands to disrupt our gold mine development and, by the way, ruin our cooperation with China."

All eyes finally converged on Grand Marshal He Jun.

He Jun spread out a huge military map of the Bir Tawil region, with red arrows marking the possible directions of the Sudanese attack.

"Leader, everyone, I will speak plainly." He Jun's voice was hoarse and powerful. "Our current so-called 'Police Force' has a total of 150 people. They are top-notch when it comes to executing decapitation strikes, infiltration, and urban counter-terrorism. But to have them guard a border line of over a hundred kilometers, facing thousands of enemies, and potentially even tanks and artillery... this is sending them to their deaths."

He paused, then said, word by word: "We have no artillery, no armored vehicles, and not even decent defensive fortifications. Once the enemy's heavy firepower covers us, our people will be sitting ducks."

The meeting room fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone knew that every word He Jun said was a bloody reality.

"China's aid is already on the way, but distant water cannot quench immediate thirst." Lin Zhou finally spoke, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, making a dull sound. "We cannot pin all our hopes on others. We must stand up on our own first."

He looked at He Jun. "He Jun, from now on, I order you to reorganize the existing Police Force on the spot into the 'Cyber Freedom Republic National Defense Force 1st Combat Company'."

"Yes!" He Jun stood at attention and replied.

"But that is not enough." Lin Zhou continued. "These brothers are all mercenaries we hired at a high price, and their contracts are only for one year. Asking them to fight a national war where they might lose their lives now—relying solely on orders and honor is not enough."

Everyone present was sharp; they immediately understood what Lin Zhou meant.

Chen Yuan's face twitched. "Leader, do you mean... more money?"

"Yes, more money." Lin Zhou's reply was firm and decisive. "And a lot more money!"

He stood up and paced around the meeting room. "Pass on my order: for all soldiers in the 1st Company, based on their existing contracts, sign them up for another year at the highest salary rate! The money will be wired to their overseas accounts right now! Tell them this is not an advance; this is a war bonus from the state! If we win, there will be another one!"

Chen Yuan opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but finally closed it. He knew now was not the time to be stingy with money. This was buying lives, buying the loyalty and determination of these battle-hardened veterans to fight to the death.

"Additionally," Lin Zhou turned to Qin Yue, "immediately initiate the global recruitment for the second batch of the National Defense Force, and increase the salary standard by another 20%! Spare no cost, and recruit another company for me as fast as possible! Tell the headhunting firms that we want elites with real combat experience, the more the better!"

When the order reached the military camp in Bir Tawil, the soldiers were buzzing with discussion.

Mark Smith, the former Delta Force elite, stared blankly at the large sum of US dollars that had suddenly appeared in his Swiss bank account.

"Boss, what is... the situation? Did we get a year-end bonus?" His comrade next to him poked him.

He Jun stood in front of the formation, his expression serious. "Brothers, this is not a bonus; this is the signal that war is coming."

He told everyone the truth about the Sudanese threat and the state's decision.

"...I know most of you came here for the money. Your contracts do not stipulate that you must die for this country. Therefore, the Leader has given you a choice."

"Now, there is an extra year's salary in your accounts. Those who want to leave can pack their things and go now; this money counts as your severance pay for this period. The state will not pursue it."

"However!" He Jun's voice suddenly rose. "For those who choose to stay, from today on, you are no longer mercenaries! You are the National Defense Force of the Cyber Freedom Republic! You will fight to defend this country, to defend the land and wealth beneath our feet! On your shoulders will rest the future of this country!"

The entire camp was dead silent.

These veterans who had tasted blood on the battlefield had different expressions. Some were indeed calculating to take the money and leave, but more felt an unusual flame igniting in their hearts.

Many of them had long been considering applying for citizenship and settling down here. The respect Lin Zhou had shown them, the treatment that far exceeded industry standards, and the visible vitality of this country had all given them a sense of belonging.

Now that the country was in trouble, the Leader did not use empty slogans to hijack them, but instead gave them respect and money in the most direct and tangible way.

"I have a cheap life anyway; it's a war regardless of where I am!" A former Cossack mercenary was the first to roar. "Here, the pay is good, and the person in charge treats us like human beings! I'm staying!"

"Count me in!" Mark Smith also smiled. "I still want to see what it looks like if the place we built with our own hands gets snatched away by those bastards! I'm staying!"

"Staying!"

"Staying!"

For a moment, the crowd was impassioned. Not a single person chose to leave.

Under the dual incentive of money and dignity, this troop composed of battle-hardened veterans completed the psychological and identity transition from "mercenaries" to "National Defense Force" in just three days.

On the afternoon of the day the reorganization was completed, a dull roar came from the horizon.

A large Y-20 transport aircraft painted with the Chinese Air Force insignia broke through the clouds and appeared over the temporary airport in Bir Tawil.