Responsibility and Regulations

"Report, the test subject's tail has been fully excavated. It measures 15.42 meters in length and is entirely coated in flour."

"This is the proposal for attempting to relocate the test subject."

Noel handed Wu Heng a proposal sheet while reporting in a clear, resonant voice.

He was currently feeling quite curious about what this thing actually was; it felt like a legendary devil's lair, and there was a constant roaring sound coming from within.

Perhaps this was a devil's egg containing an unborn little devil. So, devils were oviparous! He had to notify his family to stock up on some flour!

Noel firmly etched the knowledge that devils feared flour into his mind.

Wu Heng took the proposal and examined it carefully.

It stated that because the test subject was massive, it would cover an area of approximately 628 square meters once it collapsed and flattened.

Therefore, they would adopt a method of hollowing out the bottom, inserting a truck chassis to support the structure each time a section was excavated.

They would continue this until the bottom of the test subject was filled with 20 truck chassis, then secure all of them firmly.

After that, they would requisition the giant mining trucks from the three nearby mining areas to tow the chassis and move the test subject.

"Fine, proceed with this plan. You must not damage the test subject under any circumstances."

Wu Heng nodded, finding the plan feasible. Time was too tight; this temporary measure was the only option.

"Yes."

Noel gave a military salute, thinking to himself that even if the Commander hadn't instructed them, they would still be careful—after all, this might be a devil's egg.

Wu Heng pondered for a moment; for this plan to proceed smoothly, he still needed to pay a visit to Governor Daren.

Because the Royal Air Force was an independent aviation unit, he and Daren had to appear together to bypass the domestic parliament's approval and mobilize them privately.

Wu Heng first briefed the command staff on the necessary precautions, then called Daren to confirm, and had a security detail follow him to the Government Building.

Passing by the military district on the way, Wu Heng had the security detail follow him to his office to move two boxes, each about two cubic meters, onto the vehicle before continuing to the Government Building.

The group arrived in front of the white high-rise building, which was full of eagle-style architecture. They crossed the ten-meter-wide, ten-meter-long cyan steps at the entrance and went straight to the Governor's office on the far left of the third floor.

Governor Daren was sitting at his desk with a stern expression and eyes full of fury, while a group of government officials sat stiffly on the sofas on both sides.

The entire government office felt like a courtroom prepared for trial, waiting for Wu Heng's arrival.

Wu Heng had the security detail carry the two boxes into the office and place them on the floor.

"Camille Werner, do you have any idea what you've done? Just wait to be dismissed."

"From now on, you'll only be fit to collect your pension and rot away in your family's quarters in London, doing absolutely nothing!"

As soon as Daren saw Wu Heng, his pent-up rage erupted instantly, and he pointed at Wu Heng, berating him sharply.

"Everyone else, get out!"

Wu Heng said calmly.

"Yes, Commander."

The eight guards who had carried the boxes turned and left.

Wu Heng glanced around at the many government officials still sitting on the sofas.

"I meant you all as well. Are you not people?"

"Why are you still sitting there? What are your legs for? Waiting for the guards to drag you out?"

Wu Heng said indifferently.

"This..."

The group of people suddenly couldn't sit still.

They wanted to stand up, but as soon as their backsides lifted slightly, they caught Daren's angry glare and could only remain stiffly hovering in their seats.

"Enough, Camille!"

"This isn't a military camp; this is a government office. They are not under your jurisdiction."

Governor Daren's face was as red as if he had drunk 95-percent industrial alcohol, and the veins on his neck twitched, causing his facial muscles to tremble slightly.

"Daren, relax!"

"The tank brigade is still in Tumbbad. Anger won't solve the problem!"

"Besides, I'm already here."

Wu Heng ignored the Governor's look of near-apoplectic rage and continued:

"Perhaps the 'Border Division Line' advancement policy still has some merits, don't you think?"

Hearing this, Daren's angry mood began to level off.

He reconsidered; Camille was right—anger wouldn't solve anything.

The fact that Camille was in this room meant he was open to negotiation.

Moreover, judging by his words, he seemed willing to support his "Border Division Line" policy. Everything could still be salvaged; there was still room to talk.

The redness on Daren's face faded rapidly. He waved his hand to dismiss the remaining government officials, then spoke:

"Kamil, what on earth are you trying to do? Order the tank brigade to return immediately; there is still time to turn this around, and I can help you."

Daren wanted to extend some goodwill in exchange for the military district's support of his policies. Since Kamil had already softened his stance on his political views, no one wanted to gain a powerful enemy unnecessarily.

Unfortunately, he did not know that the person standing before him was Wu Heng, who could not care less about political relations.

"I am naturally protecting the safety of the people in the territory."

Wu Heng walked to the side and sat on the sofa.

"Perhaps, if you simply withdraw the tank brigade, the people in the territory would become very safe!"

Daren had regained his composure by now, and his mind was beginning to clear.

"You don't understand, Daren. I discovered a biological laboratory belonging to the Chariot Nation. They have researched a large number of biological weapons and are planning a sneak attack on us. I need you to cooperate with me and mobilize the Royal Air Force."

As Wu Heng spoke, he glanced at his pocket watch: 14:21.

He decided to give Governor Daren nine minutes of negotiation time!

After all, he was a refined and gentle man who did not like to solve problems through violence.

"Kamil, is what you say true? Do you have any evidence?"

Daren was somewhat skeptical, but people in their high positions usually preferred to remain silent rather than deliberately lie.

Furthermore, Kamil had truly mobilized the army like a madman.

"My tank brigade is the evidence. You can also go to the scene and verify it yourself."

Wu Heng maintained his refined and easygoing tone.

"But even if the intelligence is true, we should first report it to the domestic parliament. Mobilizing the Royal Air Force without authorization is against regulations and discipline."

Daren had finally secured Wu Heng's policy support, and with a high probability of being re-elected, he did not want to offend Wu Heng, yet he did not want to violate protocol either.

Wu Heng checked his watch: 14:25.

He stood up, walked over to two crates, and opened the lids. They were filled to the brim with gold coins, emitting the intoxicating scent of wealth.

"Kamil, what is the meaning of this?"

The brilliant, golden light nearly blinded Daren, and his voice dropped an octave.

"As far as I know, those old fossils in the parliament have already privately decided on the next governor. You might need something to sway their decision."

"Governor Daren, two crates of gold coins are sitting right here!"

"Tell me."

"Which crate is 'regulations'?"

"Which crate is 'discipline'?"

Daren was seduced by the fragrance of the gold coins and could not help but glance at the crates again.

A flash of greed flickered in his eyes, but his expression instantly shifted to one filled with justice and responsibility.

"Kamil, say no more!"

Daren slammed his hand on the table, interrupting Wu Heng.

"Our discipline is to stand united, and our regulation is to protect our home and people!"

"These are not things that a mere two crates of gold coins can override!"

Daren paused for a moment before continuing:

"However, since you mentioned that biological weapons will harm the people in our territory."

"In such an emergency, for the sake of protecting the public and fulfilling my duty, I am naturally duty-bound to cooperate with you and mobilize the Royal Air Force!"

"We can simply submit the application to the domestic parliament after the fact."

Daren had his own considerations.

There were only about ten years left until the 1947 withdrawal from the territory. If he could not be re-elected, he had to accumulate enough wealth for his retirement.

He had originally thought Pune was just a Psychedelic Forest with nothing but tobacco, but he had not expected to find gold.

"Very good, Daren. You truly are cut out to be a governor. I will contact you shortly."

This was perhaps the best outcome: no need for violence, just a friendly negotiation.

Wu Heng clapped his hands in satisfaction and checked his pocket watch.

14:29:48.

Indeed, good people do not die, and bad people do not die; only stupid people die!

They not only die themselves, but they also drag others down with them.

The clever Governor Daren had survived.

"In that case, I shall take my leave!"

Wu Heng finished speaking, turned, and walked toward the door, intending to depart.

"I hope everything is as you say," Daren said.

He felt a twinge of regret, but one glance at the gold coins made it vanish in an instant.

Seeing Wu Heng about to open the door, he scrambled over with an agility that belied his age to slam the chest shut.

He didn't say what was inside the chest, and no one dared to ask.

But being seen was a different matter entirely.

Would you be willing to trade your collections, recommendation votes, and monthly tickets for two bottles of mineral water from me?

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By the way, my dear readers, reading your paragraph comments in the author dashboard every day is enough to kill me with laughter!