King Of War: Starting with Arms Dealer

Joe Ga's blunt allegiance test threw Baghdad into chaos.

The mercenaries, who usually hid in hotels or safe houses and never went out, grouped in twos and threes, eventually forming over a dozen small squads to hunt down the surviving thirty or so mercenaries.

To show their sincerity, when these people arrived, even the Iraqi security forces had to stand aside.

The professional teams sponsored by these large companies were so well-equipped that once everyone had arrived, seven or eight drones hovered above the wealthy district.

Where could the attackers hide?

"Surrender"?

That wasn't an option!

If you waved a white flag, I'd pretend I didn't see it, beat you into a pulp, and then you'd be the unlucky devil I vanquished in battle.

In the villa, Joe Ga was having a great time talking and laughing with a bunch of Iraqi officials. As there was no language barrier and he was both the proponent and executor of this plan, Boss Joe got along even better with those guys.

Ambassador Steven had a kind of Confucian elegance, his mind filled with business and politics, with many complex issues to weigh.

But Boss Joe was different, as long as you could cooperate and ensure the smooth progress of his plan, he would chummily treat you like a brother.

After all, the money these people embezzled was still Iraq's own, and now they represented the Iraqi government. Their demands that P.B. transfer the money to a designated account were legal.

If you had a problem with them, there were many ways to force them out of office.

In fact, taking down an Iraqi official wasn't hard; as long as you had evidence of their corruption, and someone with influence in America spoke up, those guys would have to step down.

The people represented by Salim, who tipped off Boss Joe, weren't very powerful, but as long as they could gain some control in the Supreme Court of Iraq, it was entirely possible to force these greedy scoundrels out.

But this was none of Boss Joe's business; he couldn't meddle in Iraq's internal political battles, he was happy to cooperate with whoever was in charge.

Amid the laughter, as representatives from several major companies arrived, the atmosphere of this tumultuous gathering completely changed.

The people who could represent major companies were all crafty; these uninvited guests easily blended into the gathering, quickly took over the conversation, and lifted Ambassador Steven, Boss Joe, and Eric to the core of the party.

In contrast, those Iraqi officials were just so-so in their eyes.

Because the people who could make Iraq pay a lot of money always came from Washington...

The Iraqi Special Forces needing a new kit required approval from the United States Congress—how could anyone think of such a fantastical thing?

The few million that these people embezzled was nothing in the eyes of these large companies' representatives.

Ambassador Steven, with the backing of the State Department, Congress, and Energy Group, was the critical figure!

The Halliburton company also had similar capabilities, so they kept lobbying people inside Iraq, trying to gain their support. Then they'd bite back at Steven in America, attempting to take the lead in the $800 million deal.

As a result, Steven, who had spent a lot of time with Boss Joe, learned to solve problems with guns, quickly escalating the situation to life-or-death stakes.

Now, Halliburton didn't have evidence of Steven attacking them, but their own men were captured alive. With the tables turned, other companies found it easy to choose sides.

Everyone was in it for the money, so what did it matter whose pocket it came from?

Although there was no alcohol, the mood at the party was really good, and Joe Ga made a lot of new acquaintances...

Ritchie Barton, CACI representative in Iraq.

Clint Wilson, Titan Corporation's Middle East affairs representative.

Thomas Lynch, former Blackwater now Xe Company representative.

Zack Williams, Vice President of Cubic Defense Applications.

Sebastian Rosamo, General Manager of Tripe Tian Peng.

Vice President of Olive Group...

General Manager of Northbridge Services Group...

Iraq Manager of Summer International Security...

The first five companies were considered powerhouses, while the following four were renowned enterprises.

It is well-known that half of the Department of Homeland Security's work in America is outsourced to CACI.

Titan Corporation and Tripe Tian Peng started in the "enforcer" business.

Titan Corporation mainly served intelligence agencies, while Tripe Tian Peng served the Pentagon, and then they gradually grew into massive military contracting companies.

Xe Company, formerly Blackwater, needs no further mention...

This company bore the brunt of the blame for all the mercenary companies in Iraq, went through several rounds of sanctions and fines from the United States Congress, and still survived strongly, showing its true mettle.

Cubic Defense Applications might sound amiable, but they own their own communication satellites and are important suppliers of electronic systems to the United States Army.

They provide various levels of data links, monitors, search and rescue electronic equipment, and radio communication devices for allies of America at different levels.

The company has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 59 years ago, and many products from its subsidiaries are well-known among military enthusiasts.

The other three companies, Olive Group, Northbridge Services, and Samo International Security, grew significantly during the Iraq war alongside Blackwater, to the point where calling them the local powerhouses of Iraq would not be an exaggeration.

Beyond those large companies qualified to compete for the contract, there were also representatives of second-tier contractors at the reception.

Joe Ga was entangled by the owner of a company called 'Mozart Group'...

Their leader was a retired Marine Corps Colonel named Andy Miller.

'Mozart' is a typical mid-tier mercenary company!

Such companies generally start with military connections, manage to recruit enough soldiers, and, after securing investors and establishing a stable organizational structure, start earning money by serving the giants or the Pentagon.

Andy Miller appeared very reserved, but his eyes were unusually greedy!

His eyes sparkled when he heard about the eight or even nine-figure contracts being discussed among the giants and Steven.

Such people are useful, but Joe Ga didn't consider them the best partners.

Because they were only after money, whereas Joe Galla's bargaining chip for partnership was often derived interests.

Companies that couldn't turn 'derived interests' into cash would not make much profit from Joe Ga, thus not satisfying mid-tier companies like 'Mozart'.

This 'Mozart' was in an awkward position, their scale was much larger than Dorian's instructor-led 'Sea Hound', but they were not quite on the level of the giants with the capacity to assimilate and leverage derived interests.

With Joe Ga, they couldn't dine on a feast, and they disdain mere snacks.

"Sir, I hope you will consider 'Mozart'.

I currently have 500 loyal soldiers, and I can increase that number to 1000 at any moment if you need it.

Mosul is a tough battle, and I believe you will need loyal Marine Corps to serve you."

Joe Ga personally had no aversion to 'greed', but he couldn't rashly agree.

War is a systematic project, and with so many giants involved, Joe Ga could transplant a part of America's system to Iraq, as they were already military service providers to the US Army.

At that time, 'manpower' was secondary. First, he needed to establish a system to ensure smooth operation, then consider manpower based on the remaining funds.

In reality, no matter the industry, selling physical labor or one's life was always at the bottom.

To make big money, simply risking your life wouldn't do; you had to possess an irreplaceable key trait in your hands.

Facing the eager Andy Miller, Joe Ga smiled and shook his hand, saying, "There will be an opportunity to cooperate, but the bidding for the military contract hasn't officially started yet. If you're interested, you can attend the subsequent meetings, listen to our requirements, and then come up with a solution.

With so many men at your disposal, I believe you will still have a chance."

Joe Ga's words were sincere, but Andy Miller knew it was just pleasantries. Against so many giants, how could a company like his compete without a special channel? In the end, he could only end up as a second-tier contractor, scraping leftovers from the giants.

Just when Andy Miller was about to make another effort, a hand landed on his shoulder...

CACI's Richie Barton smiled and said, "Andy, could I have a moment to talk with Mr. Hu Lang?

I understand your situation a bit. If you want a share in Iraq, I suggest you come talk to me tomorrow."

Andy Miller was stunned for a moment, then smiled stiffly, nodding slightly before turning to join another conversation group.

Watching Joe Ga, Richie Barton said with a smile, "Hu Lang, I've received calls from a few old friends. People from Halliburton and MPRI are moving around in Washington; you're in trouble..."

Joe Ga looked at Richie Barton's seasoned face, laughing, "It should be them who are in trouble. The people from America's military service companies attacking an American Ambassador... in the media, that's 'treason'."

Hearing this, Richie Barton laughed heartily and said, "You're right, but you might not know that both companies have syndicate backing. Halliburton is supported by JPMorgan Chase, which is why they think they can replace Steven."

As Richie Barton watched Joe Ga, unflustered, he shook his head with a smile, admitting, "Okay, looks like I can't bluff you. Honestly, an old friend from MPRI called me to pass on a message. They want to make peace.

As long as you release the captured MPRI personnel, they would compensate you with five million US Dollars."

Joe Ga looked at Richie Barton coldly, responding irritably, "They can keep it. I want to see if that US-sponsored ammunition will get confiscated!"

Richie Barton paused, then burst out laughing and said, "Hu Lang, what don't you know?"

Joe Ga looked at Richie Barton, shaking his head, "Actually, I'm not interested in that eight hundred million dollar fund or any of these contracting companies; we're not on the same path and have no conflict.

What I am curious about is whether CACI was involved and what makes you think you can replace me in fulfilling that contract?"