Chapter 229: The Rise of Ireland, King Hennessy
When discussing British foreign policy, the first thing that comes to mind is balance of power diplomacy.
Isolated from the European continent, the best strategy for a country like Britain is to keep the continent in perpetual internal conflict, allowing it to profit from both its role as mediator and arms supplier.
Europe's long-standing hegemon has alternated between France and Germany, with Britain supporting whichever side grows weaker. If both sides are weak, it's not above abandoning its mediating duties to reap the benefits.
As Britain's former colony, the United States has, of course, learned this tactic thoroughly, rebranding it as strategic engagement. Therefore, if Britain finds itself in trouble, it would be unpatriotic for America not to capitalize on the situation. This truly exemplifies what some political commentators call "old world meets new world—both playing the same game."
This is the general outline of international politics that Ron is currently explaining to Grant.
"I don't understand. Even if that's true, why do we have to dress like this? Is this how we get revenge on Liam Hennessy?" Detective Grant lay in the grass, tugging at his uniform uncomfortably.
At first glance, this uniform looks somewhat like a British uniform, but if an older British person saw this, it would definitely bring back unpleasant memories.
This is an Irish Republican Army uniform, and they are positioned in the grass not far from the British military outpost at the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
As everyone knows, the six counties in the north of Ireland are politically called Northern Ireland and remain under direct United Kingdom jurisdiction. The 26 counties in the south officially became a republic in 1949 and later joined the European Union.
"Because only by dressing like this can we muddy the waters to the maximum extent, understand?" Ron put down the binoculars and said casually.
"I still don't get it." Grant shook his head.
"You will soon enough. Since Liam Hennessy loves power and secretly orchestrated this terrorist attack, hoping to use it as leverage to get the British government to grant him more authority, then we might as well do him a favor and help him get even more than he bargained for."
Ron smiled pleasantly, and Grant immediately had a bad feeling: "What are you planning? You still haven't told me what was in that container the smuggling ship delivered two days ago."
Ron's actions the previous night had seemed completely irrational to Grant. He'd received two packages, one large and one small, like some kind of smuggling operation. When the small box was opened, it contained weapons, while Ron took the large container to a nearby forest and loaded it into a truck.
"Oh, that? Of course it's fish~ Top-quality salmon."
"Salmon?" Grant was confused.
"You didn't think the CIA would send me alone for such a large operation, did you?" Ron said with a grin. "Besides us, there are numerous intelligence operatives positioned throughout Ireland cooperating with us. Some of them are even responsible for food supplies to the Irish military installations in this region.
That container was meant for them. I left the location coordinates in an encrypted message. I imagine the fish has already been served to the Irish soldiers."
Grant was even more confused. At that moment, he suddenly noticed that the thermal imaging detector he'd placed in the forest was showing unusual activity. "Ron, there's movement in the forest! We should go!"
"Don't worry, they're friendlies." Ron's smile widened.
"Friendlies?" Grant was more puzzled than ever.
"Grant, you're a Marine veteran, right?" Grant nodded. Ron continued, "Then I thought you might have studied military history. Ever heard of psychological warfare operations?"
Grant nodded uncertainly, still feeling it was strange for an American to drag him to a grassy hillside in the middle of the night to discuss military tactics.
"That salmon isn't ordinary salmon. It's been specially prepared at my request. Each piece has a small slip of special paper inserted into it. It bears the slogan 'Ireland Rises, King Hennessy,' and the coordinates of this location. Tonight marks the first step in their uprising."
Ron pointed toward the forest. The detectors showed a growing crowd. "Look! Those are the idealistic Irish soldiers with independence sympathies. Tonight will surely be a significant chapter in Irish independence history!"
Liam Hennessy came from a prominent Irish family. He was a former IRA member and held considerable influence in Ireland. His name was perfect to borrow.
"You're insane, absolutely insane!" Grant was stunned by Ron's audacious plan. He could never have imagined that his simple quest for revenge would indirectly contribute to an Irish independence uprising.
"But why aren't they moving yet?" Grant wondered after his initial shock subsided.
"First, they're still questioning whether this is legitimate," Ron said, picking up an unused thermobaric rocket launcher from the ground and aiming it at the opposing outpost.
Grant followed suit, also picking up his launcher.
"Second, like all major historical events—like Pearl Harbor—there still needs to be a catalyst. At least, they're still waiting for the brave soul who dares to fire the first shot. So, what are we waiting for?"
"Whoosh! Whoosh!" Two rockets, one after the other, streaked toward the British outpost, trailing long flames.
"BOOM!"
Two small mushroom clouds erupted in the compound, and alarms blared. Searchlights swept everywhere, trying to locate the attackers.
And just then, Grant, who had already hit the deck, saw Ron do something bizarre.
Ron, his face painted in the green, white, and orange colors of the Irish flag, suddenly pulled out a banner with a bald eagle and charged toward the outpost.
"FREEDOM!"
The people in the forest didn't move, but bullets from the military compound immediately targeted him. Ron was forced to run around dodging fire with his head down. Finally, he found an opening and dove back into the roadside grass.
"Damn it, these Irish cowards, why didn't they react at all?" Ron cursed.
Grant facepalmed: "The Irish uprising, and you held up an American eagle?"
"Patriotism! Haven't you seen any war movies? I thought it would inspire their national courage."
"That's the American symbol, not Irish."
Ron was stunned. However, he quickly found an Irish tricolor flag from his gear, and took advantage of Grant's covering fire to rush out again.
"Long live the Republic of Ireland!"
"Ireland rises, King Hennessy!" Gunfire erupted from the forest, and the passionate soldiers who'd come for their ideals finally began to respond.
(End of Chapter)
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