Adding Fuel to the Fire

Sure enough, what other business could these active-duty and retired officers possibly be involved in...

Stuart's words did not surprise Angel. She had long expected that business in the "gray area" would most likely involve weapons and military equipment. The so-called "decommissioned" items were generally almost brand-new, sometimes even freshly shipped from the factory, and were merely being sold under some pretext.

The only thing she needed to consider was whether this business carried some political implications.

"Do you only want money, or do you need them sold to certain designated targets?"

She frowned and thought for a moment, then lifted her teacup for a sip before slowly asking in return.

If they only wanted money, it meant the business was probably the work of a few officers who merely wanted to make a quick profit. If it came with many conditions, then the military was likely standing behind them, and the Smuggled Military Supplies had another purpose.

And that purpose probably wouldn't be anything good... Angel wasn't worried about her personal safety, but she had to put on such an act. Otherwise, a shrewd woman who had seen the world in Trier and conducted plenty of gray-area business would foolishly agree to their demands, making her identity even more suspicious.

According to Ribak's introduction before the meeting, the retired Sander had received considerable help and donations from the New Party while promoting military benefits, so his political leanings were quite clear. As an active-duty officer, Stuart couldn't show his own leanings, but his appearance here alongside Sander already said a great deal.

So, were they raising some political funds for the New Party, or did they have another goal... Angel pondered this until Sander gave a soft laugh and replied:

"You don't need to be nervous. The source of