Sinai Peninsula
At the colonial outpost camp, Austrian military representative Peter Lariva arrived and received a warm welcome from the colonial team.
"Mr. Peter, when will the reinforcements arrive?" Andrea asked anxiously.
Peter smiled faintly. "Sorry, but the French have stepped in to mediate this conflict. We must wait for the outcome of the Cairo negotiations.
"Until then, you must hold this place on your own. If Egypt launches an attack, you may retreat directly to the coast, where the navy will receive you.
"Of course, that is only the ideal scenario. Under normal circumstances, the Cairo Government will not go to such extremes. They do not have the nerve to wage war against Austria."
"Sir Peter, this goes beyond the scope of our contract. We never agreed beforehand to serve as bait and draw an Egyptian attack!" Leo Haver protested.
Bait was not an easy role to play. Their mere hundred-odd men could bully native tribes, but against Egypt's regular army, they clearly would not be able to hold the line.
If their luck turned bad, they could be wiped out to the last man. They had come to make a fortune, not to throw away their lives. Naturally, Leo Haver was unwilling to take such a risk.
Peter said unhurriedly, "Mr. Leo Haver, the original contract required you to create a pretext. It never asked you to occupy this place. The current situation was caused by your unauthorized actions.
"Everyone must take responsibility for what they do. You brought this trouble upon yourselves, so naturally you must bear responsibility for it.
"Besides, we will not have you work for nothing. If you successfully lure the Egyptian army into attacking, you will be the greatest contributors to this colonial operation. The country places great importance on this operation. You