The laptop fan on the ammunition box buzzed softly as Song Heping's gaze fell once more on the news about the air strike, but his thoughts were already drifting to more practical next steps.
Convincing Samir and Naxin was just the first step. Next, he had to persuade the person truly providing support—Avanti.
He picked up the satellite phone, took a deep breath, and dialed the encrypted number.
The phone rang a few times before it was answered, and Avanti's familiar yet slightly fatigued voice came through. It was clear he had been closely monitoring the situation as well.
"Song? Thank Allah, you withdrew safely. Naxin just gave me a brief report... The battle in the Dry River Valley is astounding, though the losses as well..."
There was a hint of genuine regret in Avanti's voice, as those over two hundred Suicide Squad members were an exceedingly precious elite force.
"Wars always cost lives. What matters is that they are used valuably."
