Chapter 132 Are you building an army?

The cadillac escalade, a full-size luxury SUV, follows behind 'The Beast' when the US President goes out, exuding an imposing aura.

"Six units. Three are pure electric, and three are gasoline-powered."

"The electric versions are for your daily commutes—they're eco-friendly, quiet, and have a good image."

"The gasoline versions are kept in reserve for long trips or special circumstances."

"Why buy so many?" Mu Xin definitely felt it was a bit excessive.

"Because you aren't alone," John said. "When you go out, there will be an entourage."

"Furthermore, a motorcade composed of cadillac escalades on the road would make anyone thinking of targeting you reconsider at first glance."

Mu Xin leaned back in his chair, thinking about his G63 4x4², which he had driven for less than half a year and was now about to be retired.

The Mercedes G63 4x4², with its boxy design, was a focal point wherever it went.

The cadillac escalade is just right, plus it's a domestic brand.

Mu Xin nodded. "You handle the vehicles. Is there anything else?"

John's expression became a bit more serious. He picked up his tablet, swiped a few times, and then turned the screen toward Mu Xin.

"Mr. Mu, there is one more thing. The equipment procurement list for the security company needs your review."

The screen displayed a long list, which Mu Xin scanned from top to bottom.

Glock pistols, Sig Sauer P320s, M4 carbines, Remington shotguns, high-powered binoculars, thermal imagers, body armor, bulletproof helmets, riot shields, tear gas, flashbangs...

Private security companies in Ohio can legally possess these weapons as long as they are registered.

"These are fine," Mu Xin said. "Just follow the standard procedures."

"There's one more page," John said, swiping to the next one.

Mu Xin looked at the content on the screen and was stunned for a moment.

UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, Mi-17 transport helicopters, BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, all-terrain assault vehicles...

"You... are you... building an army?" Mu Xin looked up at John.

"It's not an army," John said, his expression completely serious. "It's emergency response capability, Mr. Mu."

"Ohio is located on the northern edge of Tornado Alley, and the risk is very high every spring and summer."

"If an EF4 tornado hits Oxford Town, roads are destroyed, bridges collapse, and emergency vehicles can't get through—what will you use to save people?"

"The UH-60 can take off and land anywhere the size of a basketball court, and the Mi-17 has a larger payload capacity, capable of transporting over twenty people at a time."

"The BTR-80 has extremely strong off-road capabilities and can drive right over collapsed building ruins."

"These things aren't for fighting wars; they're for disaster relief."

"Furthermore," John paused, "the procurement channels for these items are much more sensitive than standard equipment."

"I can get standard equipment from local arms dealers, but American arms dealers won't sell me things like Black Hawks, Mi-17s, or BTR-80s."

"So you want to find Ramaswamy again," Mu Xin said with a bitter smile.

"Yes," John nodded. "Ramaswamy has stock from the former Soviet Union."

"The Mi-17 and BTR-80 are both Soviet-made equipment, gathering dust in warehouses in Eastern Europe and Kazakhstan."

"They're cheap, easy to maintain, and I have connections for the paperwork, so we won't be targeted."

"What about the Black Hawk? That's American-made," Mu Xin asked.

"The Black Hawk goes through a different channel," John said. "The US auctions off retired military equipment every year. UH-60s occasionally appear at these auctions, with prices ranging from one to three million dollars."

"I have veteran status and a security company license, so I can bid legally."

Mu Xin leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk.

John wasn't just acquiring equipment; he was building a complete, independent security system that didn't rely on any external forces.

The Police Department was the public face, the security company was the covert arm, and these helicopters and armored vehicles were the ultimate insurance policy for this system.

If a major incident ever occurred in Oxford Town—the Police Department couldn't handle it, the FBI was too slow, and the National Guard was still on the way—he would have his own Black Hawk, his own Mi-17, and his own BTR-80.

He could save himself without waiting for anyone's approval.

"I don't want to get too deeply involved with Ramaswamy," Mu Xin finally spoke.

"This guy's methods are too wild. Doing business with him once is fine, but doing it too often means we're tied to the same ship."

"If something happens to him, I'll be implicated."

"Then, regarding the equipment..." John frowned slightly.

"For standard equipment, purchase it normally through legal channels. I don't care how much it costs."

"For the large equipment, the helicopters and armored vehicles, I agree to buy them, but the procurement channels must be clean. No loose ends."

"The Black Hawks go through official US retired equipment auctions. For the Mi-17s and BTR-80s, don't use Ramaswamy. Find other channels—Europe, the Middle East—as long as it's not Ramaswamy, anyone is fine."

John looked at Mu Xin. "Mr. Mu, are you afraid of Ramaswamy?"

"It's not fear," Mu Xin shook his head. "It's just unnecessary. The only reason I traded with him was because I needed his power modules."

"That was a necessity, but now I have money, and with money comes choices."

"I don't want to have any connection with anyone who could land me in prison."

John was silent for a few seconds, then nodded. "I understand. I will re-evaluate the procurement channels for the large equipment."

"There are a few other channels in Eastern Europe for the Mi-17s and BTR-80s. The procedures are more complex, but they are clean."

"How long will it take?" Mu Xin asked.

"Three to six months," John thought for a moment. "There's an auction for Black Hawks next month; I can bid on one then."

"Then get it done." Mu Xin stood up and walked to the window. "For the money, talk to Victoria."

John put away his tablet and stood up. "Mr. Mu, there is one last thing."

"The security company team currently has twenty-seven people. I can manage them alone, but if we expand, I'll need a deputy."

"Find one yourself," Mu Xin turned around. "Whoever you like, hire them. Money is not an issue, as long as they are reliable."

"There is someone," John said. "An old comrade from my time in the Green Berets named Matt Gray. He just retired from the Army last year and is currently working at a private military contractor in Kentucky."

"He has more experience than me and better command capabilities. If we can poach him, the security company's combat effectiveness will go up a level."

"Then poach him." Mu Xin's expression held no hesitation. "You set the salary, you determine the signing bonus. Moving expenses, relocation assistance, children's tuition—I'll cover it all."

"Whatever conditions he wants, tell him to state them."

John took a deep breath. "Mr. Mu, spending money like this will spoil them."

"It's better if they're spoiled," Mu Xin smiled. "If they're spoiled, they won't be able to leave me."

"I'll go contact Matt right away." John turned and walked out.

"Wait a second. I need to think about the Ramaswamy situation for a few more days. I'll give you an answer as soon as possible," Mu Xin said before John left.

"I'll wait for your news then." John nodded and walked out.

Ramaswamy was too dangerous, but he was also fucking useful. Mu Xin was conflicted and needed more time to think.

Mu Xin pulled out his phone and glanced at the system panel.

The Williams Family was completely gone, the Police Department was expanding, the security company was growing, the cadillac escalade motorcade was on the way, the Black Hawk helicopter was on the auction list, and twenty power modules were humming in the eastern warehouse.

Everything was proceeding according to plan, and much faster than planned.