Chapter 319
September 8th, 2023, 15:30 (Kurdistan Standard Time 09:30)
The new government building at Ari Doubayajut, the Republic of Kurdistan
On the 4th floor of the government building at the Republic of Kurdistan’s capital (Doubayajut), the commanders of the Corean peace-keeping forces and government officials were discussing how to rebuild the republic.
The Republic of Kurdistan was planning to merge with the Kurdistan Regional Government in South Kurdistan within 2023. If the merge was to happen, then every oil reserve within the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) would be handed to the Republic of Kurdistan, therefore they would not allow it and took military action. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) had an armed force known as the Peshmerga, but they were in no shape to face off against the Iraq security forces.
“We require Corea’s financial aid but for our nation to continue developing, we must merge with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and take over the oil fields,” the Republic of Kurdistan’s Secretary of Interior Affairs Kanir Subari spoke while looking at the peace keeping force’s commanders.
Commander of the peace forces Lieutenant General Ahn Gook-jin expressed his opposition. He was the 20th division commander during the war against China, but he was promoted to lieutenant general and now served as the commander of the peace forces in the Middle East.
“Minister Subari, shouldn’t we attempt to stabilize the nation first, then push for a merger with the Kurdistan Regional Government?”
The merger with the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) was an issue but the matter related to the oil fields was the most sensitive one in the Middle East.
“Turkey, Iran, and Iraq’s militaries are all making suspicious movements. We do not have the military power to deploy forces to the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) and all the way to Kirkuk.”
The Kurdish government officials all seemed distraught at Lieutenant General Ahn Gook-jin’s response.
For the past 100 years, the Kurdish people had lost their nation and territory to lead tragic lives of going from nation to nation, but they now finally had their own nation and declared independence. However, it was a semi-independence. True independence would only be achieved after the Republic of Kurdistan had merged with the numerous Kurdish Regional Governments scattered across many nations. However, the 100-year long complications in Middle Eastern politics would not make it easy, nor allow it.
“Commander Ahn! Please speak with your government back home and help our country. I beg you.” Secretary of Interior Affairs Kanir Subari bowed.
They were that desperate.
It was the first time the Kurdish people, who had only been fooled and used by the world powers, had the chance to be completely independent.
“Secretary Subari! Our government is figuring out a way where we could solve things diplomatically with Turkey. Why don’t we try to merge with the Kurdish Regional Government only after we make some diplomatic progress with them? I am sure our government will actively aid the Republic of Kurdistan both diplomatically and militarily.”
“Do you think it would be possible to solve the issue with Turkey through diplomacy?” The minister of Foreign Affairs Sami Al Owairan asked with hope in his eyes.
“Yes, Corea’s minister of foreign affairs is scheduled to visit Turkey soon. I expect the negotiation will produce some good news.”
“I sure hope so. If we can avoid any military conflict with Turkey, then I think we will have a chance to overcome the military clashes with Iraq, Commander Ahn,” General Pativ Avci slammed the table with both of his fists confidently.
“I guess we should wait until then. Let’s focus on keeping the peace and rebuilding the areas near Doubayajut for now.”
“Yes, we will put our faith in the Corean peace forces and do our best too,” Secretary of Interior Affairs Kanir Subari spoke loudly so his voice would carry across the room.
* * *
September 8th, 2023, 16:00 (Kurdistan Standard Time 10:00)
The Republic of Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, Bazargun (3rd mechanized infantry company’s encampment)
The 3rd mechanized infantry company was encamped at the city of Bazargun, 31 km away from the Republic of Kurdistan’s capital, Doubayajut, and two of its reconnaissance platoons were preparing to patrol Maku. Four FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers under the 30th aerial forces stationed at Doubayajut Airport were also flying towards Bazargun to escort them.
It was due to the mortar attacks from the local militia yesterday. Over 100 mortar rounds had destroyed numerous buildings and facilities, and an engineering force had to be deployed to fix the damages. To keep them out of harm’s way, additional forces were deployed to the area.
Soon the 171 engineer battalion’s armored vehicles and numerous construction equipment under the 17th engineer brigade moved along the road from Doubayajut and arrived in the city. The 1st reconnaissance platoon’s armored vehicles took the lead and started to head towards Maku, while the 2nd reconnaissance platoon went to the convoy’s rear.
The convoy was over 100 vehicles long, and four FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers flew across the sky in formation to guard the skies.
“Corporal Kim, you must be pleased. At least you have a girl waiting for her savior. He he he,” Private First Class Gwak Young-hwan smiled wickedly while teasing his superior.
“Why, you! How dare you make fun of your superior?”
“I’m not making fun of you, sir. I’m just jealous.”
“Hey! Why don’t you, uh, save that captain lady!”
“What? I’m not into older women, sir.”
While the men were exchanging jokes with each other, the convoy of the reconnaissance platoon and the 171st engineer battalion kicked up desert sands and had arrived at Maku.
The 1st and 2nd reconnaissance platoon’s armored vehicles all moved into downtown Maku. The men aboard all moved out to set a perimeter.
The engineers that got off of the transport vehicles all started to unload construction materials under the C.Os’ and N.C.Os’commands one by one. Meanwhile, heavy equipment like bulldozers and excavators all were sent in immediately to clear the rubble.
The soldiers under the 2nd squadron from the 1st reconnaissance platoon started to carefully scan the gathered citizens with their shield glasses in case any terrorists or militia were hiding among them.
“How are you going to cope, Corporal Kim sir?”
“God! What?”
“Ro- sa- rin, sir!”
“God damn it! I think you miss her more than me, don’t you think?”
“He he he.”
Corporal Kim Sang-ho started to glance around to see if Rosarin would pass by, his actions betraying his words.
* * *
September 8th, 2023, 20:30 (Russian Standard Time 14:30)
The Kremlin, Moscow, Russia (the president’s office)
“I am sure you are all aware of the topic of discussion for this meeting. If you have suggestions that you have thought of, please speak now. However, these demands will be the replacement for Hokkaido, so think about the value of what we will demand first.”
President Putin started the meeting.
The president was telling everyone in the room to not speak of anything that would not match the value of Hokkaido.
No one gave their opinion first. Each government official seemed to be thinking about whether their ideas would match the value Hokkaido would have for Russia. While everyone was silently making calculations, someone raised his hand.
It was the Minister of Defense, Mikhail Ivanov.
Minister Mikhail Ivanov was hoping his demands would be selected to replace the hand-off of Hokkaido during this meeting.
The Russian military power had risen significantly and was on par with the U.S. after receiving the railgun technology from the Corean government in 2021. The rail gun’s applicability was wide.
The rail guns could be equipped on tanks, armored vehicles, and even fighter jets. It seemed Russia was attempting to fit the rail guns to every possible military equipment.
Minister Mikhail Ivanov had some fun with the rail guns, and when he heard about the meeting, one idea came to his mind. It was the laser rifles from Corea.
“Mr. President! What about the laser rifles?”
The Corean military’s standard rifle, the KS2 laser rifle, had been reported to pierce through most armored plating of the 3rd generation armored vehicles when it was set to its high-power mode. It was unbelievable and shocking for the minister. Therefore, he desired Corea’s laser rifle technology.
“Hmm, are you talking about the Corean military’s standard-issue rifles, minister?”
“Exactly, Mr. President. I have heard reports about it previously.”
“I remember hearing about those.”
“If we were able to obtain the laser rifle technology, then our infantry power will improve significantly. If we also continue research with the laser rifles, then we will be able to use them as anti-air weapons, as well, sir.”
“Anti-air forces?”
“Yes, an interception system using lasers, Mr. President. They could replace the S-500 we are operating and that could also reduce our defense spending.”
However, there was one thing Minister Mikhail Ivanov was forgetting. The laser rifle required the plasma power packs to function, and those could only be fueled and recharged through a plasma power plant. Thus, continued use of the weapons could not be possible with just the rifles alone. If they lacked the technology to make ammunition, then the guns would only be useful as a display.
“Minister Ivanov! That’s a great idea. Let’s hear from the other ministers.”
President Putin seemed to be satisfied by Minister Mikhail Ivanov’s suggestion and took a look around the room.
“I have a suggestion, Mr. President.” It was deputy prime minister and Minister of Finance Yuri Nikiforov. “Mr. President! Wouldn’t money be the best thing for us? I don’t think we can be certain Corea would properly give us weapons technology or industrial technology. I believe it would be better to demand about 200 billion dollars as compensation.”
“Hmm, I didn’t expect anything different from the minister of finance.” President Putin was aware of the minister of finance’s hidden intent.
It wasn’t as if everyone in the room would live forever, and if they embezzled half of the 200 billion-dollar compensation, then they could live a lavish life after retirement and until the end of their days.
“Do you think the Corean government would have the ability to pay 200 billion dollars as compensation?”
“The Corean government is receiving 170 billion dollars from Japan and China yearly as reparations for the war. It’s more than capable of paying that much, sir.”
“Very well. I would like to listen to everyone else’s opinions before coming to a decision.”
The ministers of each department and President Putin spent the rest of the afternoon discussing ideas for the demands they were to make. The outcome was 100 billion dollars in financial compensation and the technology for the laser rifles.
The Corean ministry of foreign affairs was notified about the Russian government’s demands. They couldn’t help but smile after hearing about them.
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