295: Chapter 295, Code Name 7741, Activation

The moment the voice fell, a red internal telephone in the command center rang. After the communications officer answered, his expression changed, and he quickly transferred the intelligence to the main screen.

From the Moei River border region, the Eastern Military Region frontline command post sent an urgent report, accompanied by footage captured by drones and a report from ground scouts:

"Today at 14:30, the 12th Border Defense Regiment under the Thai Army's 3rd Army Region held a 'counter-infiltration assault' live-fire exercise in the disputed Moei River area, approximately 500 meters south of our actual control line. During the exercise, stray rounds fired from their infantry fighting vehicle autocannons and mortar positions crossed the watershed and landed within our territory in Moei Village."

The footage switched to the tragic scene in the border village. Several civilian houses had been hit by shells and were engulfed in flames. Several villagers lay on the ground; two were already covered with white sheets, while three others were injured and being carried away by fellow villagers on makeshift stretchers. Smoke filled the sky over the tropical rainforest, and the wailing of children came through the unclear audio, piercing the heart.

"Confirmed casualties: two civilians dead and three injured, with one of the deceased being a child. Some livestock and houses were destroyed." Li Lanzhi read the end of the report, her voice filled with suppressed anger. "The Eastern Military Region has dispatched medical and rescue teams and increased troop strength at the frontline outposts. The Thai side has not yet offered any explanation or apology for this incident."

The command center fell silent, with only the faint hum of equipment running. Everyone's gaze turned toward Zhang Cheng.

Zhang Cheng looked at the burning houses and the small bodies covered by white sheets on the screen. There was no rage in his eyes, only a coldness like a deep pool. He slowly stood up.

"The probe has arrived, and it brought blood with it." His voice was not loud, but it made the temperature in the entire command center drop by several degrees. "Old K."

"Present." Old K stepped forward.

"Assessment: This is a premeditated, step-by-step probe. Public opinion groundwork, high-level posturing, military aid to embolden, and creating incidents at the border. The next step may be small-scale armed friction, or even creating an excuse for 'self-defense and counterattack'." Zhang Cheng's speaking pace was steady, yet carried unquestionable decisiveness. "Orders."

"First, effective immediately, the Eastern Military Region is to enter a Level 2 combat readiness state. All frontline units are to enter preset defensive positions and strengthen patrols and reconnaissance. Heavy artillery and rocket artillery units are to advance to preset firing positions and stand by; air defense units are to remain active at all times."

"Second, order the 1st Battalion of the 'Disaster' Air Assault Brigade to immediately relocate to the Taunggyi frontline airport. The attached armed helicopter squadron and transport helicopter squadron are to be prepared to support border conflicts at any time. Tell them I want them to appear over any section of the Moei River within half an hour of receiving the order."

"Third, activate the border 'Swarm' drone all-weather patrol network. Deploy at least thirty 'Swarm' drone nests along the long border line from Kayah State to eastern Shan State, organized by company. Each nest is to be equipped with twelve reconnaissance drones and twelve attack drones. Mission: Uninterrupted monitoring of all abnormal military movements, personnel border crossings, and electromagnetic signals within a twenty-kilometer range on both sides of the border line. Rules of Engagement: If encountered with active attacks by opposing drones or if they pose a direct threat to ground troops, they may be shot down or countered. All patrol footage is to be transmitted in real-time to the command center and the Eastern Military Region frontline command."

"Understood!" Old K acknowledged the order and immediately turned to issue specific instructions to the operations staff.

Zhang Cheng looked at Li Lanzhi: "On the diplomatic front, first lodge a solemn protest, demanding that the Thai side immediately investigate and severely punish those responsible, compensate for losses, and issue a public apology. The wording must be tough, but do not close the dialogue channels for now. At the same time, through our media and friendly national channels, clearly convey the fact that the Thai exercise caused casualties among our border residents. The focus should be on that 'ancient map' and the timeline of the US military commander's visit, to let the international community see just how 'coincidental' this 'accident' is."

Li Lanzhi quickly recorded: "Understood. I will personally arrange a meeting with the Thai Ambassador to Myanmar and have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issue a statement."

"Also," Zhang Cheng turned his gaze to Erica, who had been standing quietly in the shadows. This former top assassin of 'Blood Moon', now the commander of the 'Shadow Blade' special forces, stood tall and straight with sharp eyes. "Erica."

"President." Erica stepped forward.

"Take a lean team and secretly infiltrate Thailand." Zhang Cheng said. "Mission objective: Determine exactly which individuals and departments within the US Pacific Command, the CIA station in Thailand, and the Thai military are leading this provocation. The focus is to clarify the role of 'Council of Elders' in this, their specific contacts with Thai forces, the flow of funds, and their next subversive plan. When necessary, you may use any means to obtain information. Remember, I do not want speculation; I want concrete evidence and a list of names."

A cold curve appeared at the corner of Erica's mouth, the expression of a hunter catching the scent of prey: "Understood. The shadows will infiltrate every corner under the sun."

"The operation must be absolutely confidential; use the highest level of communication encryption and single-line contact." Zhang Cheng added, "I trust your professionalism."

Erica nodded slightly and retreated silently to prepare her 'Shadow Blade' team.

Zhang Cheng sat back in the command chair, his gaze once again cast toward the big screen. The icon representing the 'Disaster' brigade was moving toward Taunggyi, and the green dots representing the 'Swarm' network began to light up one after another along the long border line.

On the outskirts of Naypyidaw, the Third Labor Camp.

Most of those imprisoned here were low-to-mid-level enemy officials captured during the war, former government personnel guilty of serious corruption or dereliction of duty, and prisoners with special backgrounds like Lin Xiao. The management was strict but it was not a torture camp; it emphasized labor reform and ideological education.

Lin Xiao was operating an old-fashioned loom in the textile workshop, her movements mechanical and skilled. Nearly a year of labor reform life had worn away the sharpness and charm she once had as an ace spy; her skin had become rougher, and her eyes held more numbness and emptiness, with only a flicker of unwillingness occasionally flashing through, proving that her inner self had not completely died. She did not know where her sister was placed, and this was the biggest thought supporting her to wake up every day and complete her labor quota—Zhang Cheng had promised that as long as she reformed honestly, her sister could live in peace.

"Subject 7741, Lin Xiao." A female guard wearing a black uniform with a serious expression appeared at the workshop entrance.

Lin Xiao's hand shook, and the shuttle almost went off course. She quickly stopped the machine, stood up, and lowered her head: "Present."

"Come with me. Someone wants to see you." The guard's voice had no inflection.

Lin Xiao's heart sank suddenly. Someone wanted to see her? Here? Was it an interrogation? Or... She dared not think too much, silently following behind the guard, walking through the heavily guarded corridor to a separate, windowless meeting room.

There was only a table and two chairs in the room. The person sitting across the table made her pupils shrink suddenly.

It was not the interrogator she had expected, but a senior secretary from the Presidential Office, whom she had seen a few times beside Zhang Cheng. Beside the secretary stood two men with restrained auras and sharp eyes; one could tell at a glance they were elite guards.