Capítulo 511: Chapter 511: You Have to Distinguish Between Public and Private Matters
At the mention of mercenaries, Rumsfeld's gaze snapped to me, and then he spoke to Myeong-su.
"Mercenaries… Are you suggesting we hire Black Bear?"
"That's right. I've heard Black Bear is unparalleled among PMCs and even has a branch in Korea. We plan to hire them to defend the North-central region."
"…So, the dispatched troops from Korea will be sent to the south?"
"Yes. We'll proceed with both the dispatch of troops and hiring mercenaries concurrently. I need to discuss the details with the representatives from Black Bear, but I intend to employ the best mercenaries available."
Rumsfeld frowned, whispering to Powell.
Myeong-su remained calm as he awaited their response. Suddenly, someone stepped on his foot under the table.
Myeong-su glanced down in surprise, lifting his thumb slightly in acknowledgment.
His eyes widened as he let out a small, nervous chuckle. The tension in his shoulders eased at last.
"It seems having someone who can sway Black Bear here isn't a problem… But are there still mercenaries available from Black Bear? Enough to forge another contract?"
"That's…"
Myeong-su trailed off, looking at me. I nodded and spoke up.
"We still have Eastern European mercenaries available."
Rumsfeld replied, raising his voice in disbelief, "Aren't they maintaining law and order in Afghanistan? Pulling them out to send to Iraq might be too much. Afghanistan could fall into chaos as a result."
"Eastern European mercenaries are numerous compared to the U.S. and Western Europe. There are quite a few in Afghanistan who are training to keep their edge."
At my words, Rumsfeld looked dumbfounded.
"Are you suggesting Black Bear is thinking of forming an army?"
With a mild chuckle, I responded,
"An army, really? Honestly, if the U.S. set its mind to it, they could wipe out Black Bear in less than a day, right? The U.S. military has the upper hand. Though, the U.S. and Black Bear operate in different fields. That's why the U.S. hires Black Bear, isn't it?"
Of course, in a full-scale war, the U.S. would dominate. But when it came to small-scale operations, guerrilla warfare, and illegal activities, no group excelled like mercenaries.
Black Bear had also played a significant role in stabilizing Afghanistan.
Given Rumsfeld's awareness of this, his reaction was entirely reasonable.
"If it's Black Bear's mercenaries, they would be perfect for dealing with the terrorists in the Kirkuk area. I've heard of their exploits in Baghdad. They've provided excellent value for the money spent—far surpassing any other PMC."
Of course Black Bear wasn't the only PMC dispatched to Iraq.
But no other private military company had achieved the same level of effectiveness.
"If Korea requests it, I'll make a mercenary contract with a trusted individual as the commander."
Hearing my affirmation, Rumsfeld nodded.
"So, Korea will sign a hiring contract with Black Bear and send them to the Kirkuk area, while the Korean army will be deployed in the south, positioned with the British forces expected to form a multinational division."
Myeong-su followed up Rumsfeld's statement.
"Understood. But this will take at least six months. We need to form the dispatched unit and obtain approval from the National Assembly."
"Then we will hand over the custody of the individuals involved in the incident afterward. Is that acceptable?"
At the mention of six months, Rumsfeld furrowed his brow. However, he quickly composed himself and replied.
But the primary condition for all of this was the repatriation of the culprits.
To completely turn around the domestic public opinion.
"That won't work. After the President's visit to the U.S., you need to announce their repatriation decision and send them right away. Only then can we persuade regarding the deployment issues."
"What if we hand them over first and you break your promise?"
"…I assure you, there's no chance we would break our word. We're not that kind of unreasonable nation."
The two continued to argue for a while.
Certainly, I could have stepped in to bring order to the discussion, but I intentionally chose not to.
Because the protagonist here should be Myeong-su, not me.
After a long debate, a conclusion was finally reached.
"If we hand over custody, please hire Black Bear first and send them out. Then send a combat unit to Iraq within six months."
"Sure. We can do that."
"All of this will be compiled into an agreement that will be signed at the private meeting between the Presidents."
Afterward, other agenda items came up one after another.
Finally, Rumsfeld spoke about the joint South Korea-U.S. training.
"Next month we plan to conduct joint drills in the West Sea. Before that, a carrier will dock in Jeju, and another will head to the West Sea."
"Is this because of North Korea's nuclear tests?"
"Yes, we need to send a warning."
"China and Russia won't like this."
"Regardless, it's necessary. North Korea was the one that provoked first. If we remain passive, they'll continue acting recklessly. So, keep that in mind and prepare in advance."
It was practically a notice. However, since the U.S. had already made many concessions, Myeong-su nodded with no option.
"Huh. I'll relay that to the Defense Ministry."
Thus, the long marathon meeting concluded.
It was a meeting that left both the U.S. and us with no ill-feelings.
The U.S. received confirmation on Korea's troop deployment, while Korea gained the ability to conduct trials for what happened on their soil.
Whether it ends in an acquittal or a conviction for manslaughter, it was of little consequence.
People would only remember the moment those involved would be repatriated to Korea.
Just this alone would significantly boost President Yoon Chang-ho's approval ratings.
The representatives of both nations stood up. Powell and Myeong-su shook hands, and the American representatives left first.
As soon as Myeong-su lost sight of them, he collapsed into his chair.
"Ugh, I'm exhausted."
"You did well, Representative Lee Myeong-su."
The foreign ministry staff next to him spoke, and Myeong-su replied with a smile.
"Thanks everyone for your hard work. The content discussed in today's meeting is confidential. If rumors start circulating in the media or other outlets, we'll begin the audit right here with those present. Everyone understand?"
Although he praised their efforts with a smile, Myeong-su ended with a warning.
"You all head on back. I'll chat with Kim Mu-hyeok a bit more before I leave."
"Understood."
The delegation sorted through the documents laid out before them and left.
"Want to grab a drink?"
"Sure."
"Let's go to my room and have a drink. Eric Clark, the Vice President of Black Bear, will be here soon, so we'll discuss the hiring matters too."
"Are we on friendly terms now?"
Myeong-su joked, and I raised an eyebrow in response.
"Don't skimp on money in situations like this. Hiring mercenaries for a country's defense, those who bleed on their behalf. It's disrespectful to cheapen their worth."
"Just joking, I'm just joking. I swear, I won't speak up again."
I lightly patted Myeong-su's shoulder and stood up.
"Let's go. We can continue our conversation while having a drink."
Back in the hotel room, I ordered liquor through room service. As the drinks arrived we talked about many things.
While we were enjoying the drinks, Eric showed up.
"Charlie! Long time no see!"
Eric entered with Manager Ma, greeting us.
"Welcome! Come on over and take a seat. Let's have a drink first."
I handed Eric a glass filled with ice.
As I poured the liquor into the empty glass, Eric downed it in one go. He's always been such a lively guy.
"This here is Representative Lee Myeong-su from the Korean government. Also, he's my friend."
"Oh, is that so?"
Eric stood up and reached out his hand toward Myeong-su.
"Hello. I'm Eric Clark, Vice President of Black Bear."
Myeong-su also stood up and shook Eric's hand.
"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Lee Myeong-su, and I hold an official position in Korea."
After their greetings, Eric and Myeong-su sat back down.
I filled up the empty glass again, slowly swirling the liquor, and said,
"Eric, the reason I called you here today is to negotiate a mercenary contract on behalf of the Republic of Korea."
"The Republic of Korea? Is it common for the Korean government to enter into a mercenary contract? Are we expecting war due to the recent nuclear test?"
Eric asked, his eyes wide. How many times had he heard the word 'war' today?
"Is war so easily triggered, Eric? You're going too far."
"So then, there's no need for the Korean government to make contracts with us? Korea's public safety stands firm against any comparison. In fact, it's safer. It's not the kind of country where mercenaries like us should operate."
To his slightly bewildered question, I quickly got to the point.
"It seems the Korean government needs to send troops to Iraq for combat."
"Oh."
At this, Eric let out a small sigh. Without further explanation, he seemed to understand the situation.
"I've heard there's been quite a bit of struggle over the deployment of combat troops from Korea. So, have you ultimately decided to go the route of hiring mercenaries?"
"No. We will also send troops. The Korean military plans to dispatch troops to the south. Instead, we intend to hire Black Bear for security in the Kirkuk area."
"So you want to do things as the U.S. does?"
Eric pointed out, taking it in stride.
"Then what about the cost? Will the Korean government bear it? Or are you sending us under Charlie's name?"
"We need to keep public and private matters separate. This will be formally proposed by the Korean government."
No sooner had I finished speaking when Myeong-su put down his drink and said.
"Yes. Our government will cover the costs."
Eric nodded.
"However, most of the mercenaries are already engaged in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are very few reserves available. Charlie, you know that, right? We can't break our contracts with the U.S. either."
Hearing Myeong-su's answer, Eric turned to me again.
"I'm aware of that. That's why I plan to send mercenaries currently training in Afghanistan."
"Are you referring to the Eastern European mercenaries?"
"Yes. They are training to keep their skills sharp. But you know that they are capable, don't you, Eric?"
"That is true, but… There's no one suitable to send as a commander. Most potential commanders are leading their own teams in ongoing operations right now."
Having competent commanders was essential to controlling rough mercenaries.
If a foolish person sat in charge, it wouldn't be long before they suffered total annihilation while executing missions, and they knew that all too well.
So mercenaries often placed their lives in capable commanders' hands.
It wasn't uncommon for them to rebel against incompetent leadership by running away.
"That is an issue that we need to tackle…"
I too was troubled by that aspect. But this was something that had to be done.
Especially for the stake I had secured in the reconstruction contracts in Iraq.
In the end, I decided on the best card I could play.
"Let's send Igor."
"Igor? What about Afghanistan?"
"Igor has many competent subordinates. Let them handle the Afghanistan region. The situation there is relatively stable now."
"If it's Igor, we can trust him."
Eric nodded. He was also one of those who recognized Igor's abilities.
"Please discuss the specifics with the Korean government and finalize the contract. It seems Eric will need to visit Korea directly."
"Will you join Eric on his next trip to Korea?"
"No. I, unfortunately, won't be able to enter Korea. I need to head to China instead."
I tilted my glass with a bittersweet smile.
It felt like I was spending more time outside than in Korea lately.
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