72: Councillor Pearson appeared again and openly "rebelled"!

Aris met Senator Pearson again in his office.

Speaking of which, Senator Pearson was truly an extremely enthusiastic and persistent fellow.

He had initially mediated between the Anti-War Army and the U.S. Military, and even after the war began, he didn't leave immediately but continued to observe, seemingly worried that the war would spiral out of control.

However—

Aris was puzzled: "Senator Pearson, an hour ago, before it was completely dark, didn't you say you were leaving?"

With the major shifts in the international situation now, and the U.S. Military's forces besieging Darwin City having largely withdrawn, Australia's official government likely wanted to reassess the situation, so Senator Pearson needed to return and report.

Senator Pearson's face was filled with anxiety.

"Commander Aris, I was indeed about to leave, but on the way, I heard the sounds of fighting from Darwin City… What is it? Is People's Army launching a night attack, or is the Anti-War Army attempting a breakout?"

Aris frowned: "Senator Pearson, you are truly keen on the war… But you should know that what you're asking about is military intelligence, right?"

Pearson: "It is indeed military intelligence, but I believe it's intelligence that doesn't need to be concealed."

Aris couldn't refute this point.

Anyway, soon, the U.S. Military would collectively withdraw from the city, and this situation couldn't be hidden.

Aris: "People's Army is conducting a localized defensive line contraction. As you know, more than half of our coalition forces have withdrawn. I need to redeploy the entire battle. The Anti-War Army probably smelled an opportunity and broke through while People's Army was contracting."

Pearson suddenly scoffed.

"Commander, I'm afraid it's not that simple, is it?"

"Although I'm not well-versed in military matters, with such a large commotion in the city several kilometers away, is it merely a localized defensive line contraction by People's Army?"

"How come I feel like the Anti-War Army is advancing on all fronts?"

"And when I came back, your entire base here was sounding an alert."

"Could the Anti-War Army even threaten this base?"

Aris was speechless.

He hadn't expected Pearson, a politician, to be able to analyze this.

"Mr. Pearson, what exactly is your intention? Speak."

This person was about to leave, yet he specifically turned back and said such presumptuous things; he definitely had an ulterior motive.

Pearson looked at the staff officer who had followed him into the office, and the guards at the door.

Aris waved his hand, ordering the two to leave and closing the office door.

Seeing the door closed, Pearson, with a mysterious expression, said: "I suspect People's Army is currently facing a setback, don't try to fool me. Anyone can deduce what's happening in Darwin City."

Aris was a little impatient: "Senator Pearson, you know my time is precious."

Pearson: "Alright… Actually, I wanted to tell you that I know the reason why the Anti-War Army can advance smoothly, or rather, it's about a major secret of the Anti-War Army!"

What?!

As Aris listened, he couldn't help but lean forward.

Then, a completely unexpected turn of events occurred.

Pearson actually pulled out a small, ivory-white handgun from his embrace, its body looking like ceramic, with the muzzle pointed directly at Aris's head.

At this moment, due to their close proximity, Aris had no time to react.

His face turned cold, and he remained impassive.

"Mr. Pearson, what are you doing?"

Pearson, unhurried, walked around the desk, searched Aris's person and his desk drawers, removing all weapons, then went to lock the office door from the inside, before turning back, leisurely sitting back on the sofa, and answering Aris's question.

"Commander, can't you see what I'm doing?"

Aris frowned: "Do you know that this is treason?"

Australia's official government would absolutely not issue such an order to Pearson.

That left only one possibility: Pearson had been bought by the Anti-War Army.

His kidnapping of him was part of the Anti-War Army's night breakout operation.

However, Aris instinctively thought of another possibility and blurted out:

"No, you are not Pearson!"

His demeanor at this moment was different; Pearson was entirely a civilian, with no military or police experience, so it was impossible for him to be so adept at kidnapping.

Pearson laughed evasively: "If I'm not Pearson, then who could I be?"

Indeed, that wasn't the key; in any case, the person opposite him was now on the opposing side.

Aris: "Alright, just tell me directly what you… or rather, what you all want."

Pearson crossed his legs: "It's simple."

"A ceasefire, troop withdrawal, and an end to the siege of Darwin City."

Aris was stunned for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter.

His laughter attracted the attention of the staff officer outside.

He knocked on the door and asked: "Commander, is something wrong?"

Aris replied: "No, nothing… Pearson, you wouldn't think that one kidnapping, one small handgun, could make me yield, would you?"

"You underestimate me too much."

"Even if you shoot me dead right now, there are plenty of high-ranking military officials to take my place."

"You think threatening my life can make the entire U.S. Military be at your beck and call? You are truly too naive!"

"Just wait, before daylight, People's Army will largely withdraw from Darwin City, and the area around Darwin will be continuously covered by artillery fire, making it impossible for your Anti-War Army to break out."

"And then People's Army's high-powered weapons, in turn, can utterly destroy you."

"So now is the best time for you to surrender to me."

"I maintain an open stance towards all Anti-War Army personnel who surrender to me."

It must be said that Aris's performance at this moment was perfect, befitting the demeanor of a four-star Commander and his ability to react to sudden changes.

But Pearson was clearly also prepared.

"Commander, I'm only here as an intermediary, to convey our terms. I didn't expect a simple kidnapping to make you obey."

"How about this, let's just stay in this office and wait to see how things develop."

"I believe the situation will greatly surprise you."

Aris was instantly puzzled.

Could it be that the Anti-War Army had other major reliance tonight?

—

Anti-War Army Underground Command Post.

Fang Le looked at the second batch of troops about to embark on their mission, his expression serious.

"You are all People's Army's combat elites, valuable talents, and technical experts."

"The mission I'm entrusting to you this time, however, requires you to break through the American military's front line, to take risks."

"This is not what I wished for, but it must be done."

"If any of you are concerned about your safety, you may apply to withdraw now."

In front of him, everyone responded loudly: "The Anti-War Army has no cowards! We guarantee to complete the mission!"

Fang Le breathed a sigh of relief.

The success or failure of this second batch of operational forces was the biggest factor influencing the direction of the war!