Baghdad, Green Zone.
The air conditioner blew the command center's air cold and dry, in stark contrast to the scorching heat outside that could melt asphalt in Baghdad's afternoon.
Colonel Kote held a cup of cold black coffee as he stood in front of the giant electronic sand table, his bloodshot eyes from lack of sleep fixed on the town model marked "Hulmatu."
The bitterness of the coffee spread over his tongue, just like his current mood.
At the edge of the sand table, blue arrows representing the militia led by Song Heping and the Mercenary Camp pointed decisively from Daguge toward Hulmatu.
"He's on the move."
Kote's assistant, Lieutenant Harrison, said in a low voice beside him.
Kote did not turn back, only snorting through his nose, laden with sarcasm and fatigue.
"Indeed, after taking so much money, he's bound to act. While the Iliko Government Army is retreating miserably at Ozham, our 'great ally' Mr. Song finally thinks the timing is right..."
