Working as a police officer in Mexico-Chapter 1840 - 801: Happy New Year!!!_4
Capítulo 1840: Chapter 801: Happy New Year!!!_4
In less than fifteen minutes, they disappeared as if they had never appeared. Only burning vehicles, bodies, four captives tied by the roadside, and chaotic footprints in the snow were left behind.
Lieutenant Crawford lay in the snow, listening to the distant sound of faint sirens.
His leg hurt terribly, but something else hurt more—the feeling of being completely defeated and humiliated.
They were not bandits.
They were an army.
And London knows nothing about it.
Same day, 2 PM, London, Department of Defense briefing room.
The meeting room was filled with smoke, and the ashtray was already piled high.
The wall’s projection screen showed aerial photos of the ambush site on the A9 Road: three armored vehicles burned into skeletons, bodies covered in white sheets in the snow, and captive positions marked with yellow circles.
“Nine dead, four captured, all from B Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Anglian Regiment.” The voice of MI6’s Acting Director Graham was dry, “The attackers, calling themselves the ‘True Scottish Freedom Army,’ were professional: Choice of ambush terrain, firepower configuration, and timing of retreat were all impeccable. They used RPG-7s and AT4 rocket launchers, AK-74 automatic rifles, and… our L7A2 machine gun, which was seized from the destroyed vehicles.”
The Minister of Defense stared at the photo: “Our soldiers didn’t even have a chance to fight back?” 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎
“They did, but were suppressed. Shell casing analysis from the scene shows the attackers had at least twenty people, divided into three groups: sniper group suppressing, anti-armor group attacking vehicles, assault group clearing the battlefield. They also used communication jamming equipment, preventing the patrol from calling for reinforcements.”
“And the intelligence?” The Prime Minister asked, face grim, “Didn’t Military Intelligence Five say the ‘Highland Freedom Army’ was already scattered?”
The Military Intelligence Five Director was sweating on his forehead: “We… we previously assessed McTavish’s group had only six to eight people, lacking heavy weapons, mainly in hiding. The scale and equipment level of this attack were completely beyond expectations. Unless…”
“Unless what?”
“Unless they received external support.” Graham took over, “RPG-7s and AT4s are not easily obtainable on the Scottish black market. AK-74s are Eastern European standard, but the serial numbers have been removed and are untraceable. The communication jamming equipment is top-notch.”
The room fell silent.
“Mexico?” The Minister of Defense whispered.
“Or the Phoenix Society, or both.” Graham said, “But no matter who it is, the result is the same: Scotland now has a well-equipped, well-trained rebel force that has just annihilated one of our platoon-level patrol teams. If the news gets out…”
“It’s already out.” The Minister of Internal Affairs pushed the door open, holding a fax, “The BBC Scotland Branch has just received the videotape, which was filmed at the attack site. The ‘True Scottish Freedom Army’ claims responsibility and shows the captives. They demand… ‘England’s military immediately withdraw unconditionally from all of Scotland’s territory, or they will execute all POWs’.”
“They dare!” The Minister of Defense slammed the table.
“Why wouldn’t they dare?” Graham retorted, “Killing nine and killing thirteen, what’s the difference? Especially now they are in a strong position, holding our soldiers, with public sympathy—remember, many Scots consider us an occupying force.”
The Prime Minister rubbed his temples: “Can we block the news?”
“Impossible.” The Minister of Internal Affairs shook his head, “The tape was sent simultaneously to the BBC, ITV, and the ‘Scotsman.’ Even if we exert pressure, at least one will broadcast it. Moreover, photos are already circulating online; although blurred, they’re enough to recognize.”
He paused: “Worse still, the SNP (Scottish National Party) has already issued a statement, condemning ‘violence from both sides’ but emphasizing ‘the root cause is London’s disregard for Scottish public opinion, forcibly occupying militarily.’ Public opinion surveys show that support for independence has risen by seven percent after the attack, reaching 58%.”
“They’re exploiting this!” The Minister of Defense gritted his teeth.
“Or,” Graham said slowly, “it’s all aimed at creating this result—making Scottish public opinion boil, leaving London in a dilemma. Sending troops to suppress will exacerbate tensions; withdrawing will feed separatist flames. And no matter what we choose, blood will be shed.”
The phone rang.
The secretary answered, listened for a few moments, and her face changed: “Prime Minister, Buckingham Palace. Her Majesty the Queen wishes to speak with you.”
Everyone stood up.
The Prime Minister picked up the red phone: “Your Majesty.”
On the other end was the Queen’s calm but indisputable voice: “Mr. Prime Minister, I’ve just read the brief. My grandson Charles is still in hospital, and now nine more soldiers have died in Scotland. I want to know how your government plans to end this disaster?”
“Your Majesty, we are evaluating all options…”
“Options?”
The Queen interrupted him, “My father experienced World War II, I experienced the Cold War. I know when to be tough, and when to negotiate. But right now, it seems your government is neither tough enough to eliminate the rebels nor wise enough to avoid war.”
Rare direct criticism.
The Prime Minister’s forehead dripped cold sweat: “Your Majesty, the situation is complex, with external forces intervening…”
“Then find out the interveners.” The Queen’s voice rose somewhat, “But before that, rescue the captive soldiers. They are my soldiers, serving the country, now fallen into enemy hands. I won’t accept news of their execution appearing in the dinner-time news. Understood?”
“Understood, Your Majesty.”
The call was ended.
The meeting room was silent.
“She’s right.”
Graham broke the silence, “We must prioritize rescuing the captives. But if we send Special Forces to attack, the rebels may kill them all. Negotiating would let them lead us by the nose.”
