Deng Shiyang spent his thirtieth day in Botswana, having been at the training camp in Maun for two weeks. During this time, aside from working with Semler on training subjects, he held nightly video conferences via MSN with Durban to receive mission progress reports. Although his daily schedule was packed, the workload was relatively manageable, something that made Keith, who was constantly overwhelmed with paperwork, envious.

During this period, Deng received two emails.

The first email was from Hong Kong’s “China Merchants Securities,” sent by his stockbroker. Stimulated by acquisition news, the stock price of “Ruiyuan International” had temporarily rebounded. Retail investors, hoping to break even, sold their shares, which allowed Deng to complete the purchase of shares ahead of schedule. However, it seemed a few major investors were also buying this stock, so the total holdings were 20% less than expected, with only 3.8 million shares acquired.

The second email was from Johan Schlink, notifying him that “Denel” had received a letter of credit for the full payment, and that the shipment could be ready in about two weeks. Schlink also requested the name of the vessel that would carry the arms and a copy of documents proving the ship’s ownership and its owner, to facilitate the application for an export permit.

After careful consideration, Deng decided to hand the task over to Mark, who was familiar with shipping operations. Mark would act as an agent of “Carl Augusta International Trading Company” and liaise with the arms dealer to handle the exit procedures for the required supplies.

That evening, after the regular meeting concluded, Deng stayed behind with Mark and shared his plan, omitting the exact timing and destination of the operation.

“The loading point is in Richards Bay. Du Preez has already rented a storage facility, and the equipment, clothing, and gear sourced by Jansen will be sent there,” Deng paused, then added, “We need you to act as the agent for the owner of the ‘Kristo’ vessel to handle the export procedures for the weapons. Keith will provide you with a list later.”

“Understood,” Mark nodded, “But you’ll need that company to issue a document identifying me as their agent.”

“Keith will take care of that,” Deng continued, “Notify me once the loading date is confirmed. I need to inspect the cargo personally and oversee the loading.”

“That might be tricky,” Mark replied, “Arms are controlled goods. The cargo will be escorted by the military directly from the munitions factory to the port. Before loading, it will be stored in a government warehouse surrounded by barbed wire and guarded by armed personnel. Besides, you said the arms dealer placed the order in the name of an East African country. You can’t exactly show up with a Belgian passport and claim to be the buyer.”

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“I’m also planning to transport the mortars to the airport.”

“That’s not feasible. You’re oversimplifying things,” Mark shook his head repeatedly, “If it were regular cargo, maybe, but not for arms. The ship will dock at a special pier for hazardous materials, guarded by soldiers, and the entire loading process will be monitored by customs officials. There’s no way to remove anything from the port area.”

Deng felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him but remained hopeful. “Could we transport the items ashore after the ship has leave the port?” he asked.

“That’s up to you,” Mark responded, clicking his tongue. “I can only remind you that once the ship is loaded with arms, it must leave the port within the designated time frame and cannot enter South African waters until the cargo is unloaded. Moreover, since it’s carrying hazardous materials, a patrol boat will escort it after it departs.”

Hearing this, Deng felt dejected. He and Keith were novices in shipping logistics, and the plan had been drafted in haste. He had anticipated some hiccups but only now realized the gravity of the situation.

At this moment, Keith, who had been silent, interjected, “Why not have the arms dealer apply to the South African government to change the loading location for the mortars and ammunition to Richards Bay Airport?”

“That’s too suspicious,” Deng cut him off before he could finish, “If the South African government’s oversight is as strict as Mark says, the airport will be heavily guarded. Even if we transport the mortars to the airport, there’s no way to get the airdrop equipment onto the plane.”

“That is indeed a problem,” Keith muttered in agreement and fell silent.

Deng turned to Mark, “Don’t worry about anything else for now, just focus on handling the export paperwork for the weapons. I’ll think of another solution for the mortars.”

“Understood.”

“If there are no other issues, I’d like to speak with Keith alone.”

Mark, catching on quickly, took his leave.

After watching him leave, Keith turned to the computer and said, “Now it’s just us ,Go ahead.”

“About what?”

The British man in the video window smirked and said, “About the solution, of course. Don’t tell me you haven’t thought of one yet.”

“I do have an idea,” Deng shrugged. “But I really don’t want to use it because it’s unprofessional.”

“Haven’t you heard of ‘Murphy’s Law of Combat’?” Keith joked. “I remember one of the rules: If a stupid idea works, it isn’t stupid.”

“This method is unprofessional but would reduce a lot of hassle,” Deng replied slowly, seemingly to keep Keith in suspense. “Harrowby would be thrilled because he wouldn’t have to arrange the two JPADS for us; you wouldn’t have to spend time coordinating the mortar team’s smuggling; and it would save the cost of renting a cargo plane.” He cleared his throat and added, “For now, I only have a preliminary concept. I’m not sure if it’s feasible.”

“JD!” Keith interrupted impatiently.

“Alright,” Deng spread his hands with a smile. “My idea is simple—load the mortar shells onto a helicopter and drop them from the air like bombs.”