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Kang Chan sliced the meat first out of habit, alternating between eating the pork and rice with chopsticks.

While Kang Chan was putting the two remaining pieces in his mouth, Seok Kang-Ho quietly asked, “Do you know who Ji-Hwan was dealing with?”

“They probably don’t know for sure yet.”

“Captain, could you look into those motherfuckers?”

Kang Chan chewed his pork and sighed.

Although everyone was pretending to be focused on eating, their eyes and ears were on Kang Chan.

“Daye.”

“Yes.”

Seok Kang-Ho put down his chopsticks and looked at Kang Chan.

“I’m also upset, but if we go around avenging the deaths of those killed in legitimate operations or battles, we’ll be no better than a gang. We can’t use the special forces team for something like this, especially when they weren’t killed unjustly and they were trying to secure an informant.”

Seok Kang-Ho looked at his leftover pork cutlets with a stiff expression.

The fact that he didn’t finish his meal said a lot about how he was feeling at the moment.

Kang Chan recalled the battle in Africa where they lost a rookie. If Daye hadn’t stopped him then, he would’ve killed the guy acting sarcastic for sure.

Seok Kang-Ho probably felt so frustrated that he couldn’t breathe. He likely wanted to destroy the organization that killed Um Ji-Hwan, too.

“Fuck!”

The interpreter, who was whispering his interpretations to Gérard, looked at the pork cutlets with a surprised face.

“Well, just this once,” Kang Chan said.

Seok Kang-Ho looked up in surprise. After listening to the interpreter, Gérard grinned.

He continued, “The battle with the UIS is not related to it. According to the information they gathered at the cost of Ji-Hwan’s life, they’re rebel forces, not militias.”

Kang Chan had experienced this all too well in Africa.

He knew how dangerous and brutal rebels could be, especially those who claimed to lead tribes and those trying to set up new governments.

Seok Kang-Ho and Gérard didn’t need him to tell them that.

“Steel your resolve. Make sure Ji-Hwan’s sacrifice doesn’t cost you the lives of the Jeungpyeong special forces team I was thinking of entrusting to you.”

“I understand.”

Kang Chan smiled at Seok Kang-Ho’s uncharacteristically serious tone.

Due to the atmosphere, they ended dinner without finishing their meals.

“Clean everything up, then let’s have some coffee.”

As Kang Chan suggested, they all stood up and cleared the table. In the meantime, Seok Kang-Ho went to the corner and made some instant coffee.

Since they had eaten and were making coffee, they craved a smoke too.

Gérard, who was still at the table, offered Kang Chan a cigarette. The two smoked first.

“It’s my first time seeing Daye like that.”

Kang Chan nodded.

It was probably difficult. Gérard had suffered from this as well. He even considered retiring because of it.

Seok Kang-Ho walked to the table, holding the tips of two paper cups overlapping between the thumb and forefinger of his right hand, and one in his left.

He could have used a tray or something else to support them. Kang Chan wondered if Seok Kang-Ho was doing that because it was more comfortable for him.

Anyhow, coffee was served.

The three sat at the table and wordlessly drank coffee and smoked.

“When do you plan on leaving?” Kang Chan asked.

“I don’t know, maybe in about three days,” Gérard replied.

The interpreter, sensing the tension, kept his distance. Hence, Kang Chan relayed the conversation to Seok Kang-Ho.

“Stay alert and on your toes. Make sure you don’t miss anything until we leave.”

“Yes, sir. Anyway, I’ll be inside.” Gérard went to the room where the agents were.

Kang Chan extinguished his cigarette and glanced at Seok Kang-Ho.

At a time like this, it was better to just leave him alone than offer clumsy consolation.

They stared out the window quietly, just as Kang Chan had done with Gérard a few days ago.

About an hour or so passed.

Kang Chan picked up his phone and looked for a number before pressing the call button.

- Hello?

“President Kim, it’s Kang Chan.”

- Ah! Things must be busy over there. How’s the situation?

“There’s a lot to do. What about Mongolia?”

- It’s the same here. What’s going on?

“I’d like to speak with Director Kang. Is he there?

- Just a minute.

Soon, Kang Chul-Gyu spoke into the phone.

-Hello?

“It’s me.”

After Kang Chan replied, Kang Chul-Gyu kept an awkward silence. They hadn’t gotten to know each other well enough to ask for greetings yet, so Kang Chan was honestly more comfortable with this than having a casual conversation.

“We’re planning to attack the UIS headquarters in Afghanistan. We estimate their numbers to be around one thousand two hundred. From what we’ve heard, they’re trying to form a new government, but I think there’s more to it.”

A silence different from before fell over the phone.

It was interesting. One could sense the other person’s emotions through their inaudible breathing.

“They’ve got about sixty snipers, most of them from special forces units. We don’t know how many civilians are among them.”

- What’s the objective?

“Eliminate their entire leadership.”

Kang Chul-Gyu’s steady breathing followed.

- What about our side?

“Thirty each from the Jeungpyeong special forces, NIS counter-terrorism team, 606, Spetsnaz, White Wolves, and GSG-9.”

- If we go, who’s going to keep this place safe?

Showing his experience, Kang Chul-Gyu only asked the necessary questions.

“China and Russia have agreed to cover the area for the time being, but it won’t hurt to leave some basic security.”

- If that’s the case, including me…

Kang Chul-Gyu trailed off, seemingly doing a head count.

- There will be twenty of us. How will we get there?

“I’ll contact you as soon as we have a location and transportation. We’ll definitely be leaving in the next three days, though.”

- I see.

The call ended.

Kang Chan set the phone down. Leaving Seok Kang-Ho at the table, he turned to the whiteboard.

They had done all preparations.

At the cost of his life, Um Ji-Hwan had fulfilled his mission.

While the interpreter, who had come from the inner room, input new information on the map, Kang Chan stared at it, unmoving.

***

After just one undoubtedly rough night, Seok Kang-Ho was back to his old self.

Choi Jong-Il and the interpreter looked relieved, but Kang Chan and Gérard didn’t mention anything.

The hurt of losing someone close to one’s heart never went away.

Seok Kang-Ho wasn’t over it.

Just like how Kang Chan and Gérard had acted in Africa, he was forcing himself to be his usual self because he was afraid that his emotions would hurt the other members of the team.

“Be safe out there,” Seok Kang-Ho said when Kang Chan stood up.

Kang Chan gave him a wave and left the office.

After stopping in Samseong-Dong, Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung headed straight to the NIS headquarters in Naegok-Dong.

They arrived about ten minutes before ten. Nevertheless, the entire group was already waiting in the underground conference room.

Soon after entering the room, Kim Hyung-Jung introduced Kang Chan to the two majors in Air Force uniforms. “Assistant Director, this is Park Seung-yong and Major Lee Ki-Do of the Air Force Operations Command. Majors, this is NIS Assistant Director Kang Chan.”

The introductions after that were simple and easy. Kang Chan already knew Cha Dong-Gyun, and he had already gone on operations with Kang Myung-Gu, the commander of the counter-terrorism team, and Jeong Won-Min of the 606.

“Please take a seat,” Kim Hyung-Jung said.

They all sat down comfortably.

Once Kang Chan was seated, Kim Hyung-Jung plugged in a USB to his laptop. He then waited for the beam projector on the ceiling to start up and then turned off the lights.

A map appeared on the screen in the room.

“This is a map of Afghanistan,” Kang Chan said.

Everyone looked at the map.

“There is an estimated one thousand two hundred UIS in the Rukha district. We plan to kill the entire UIS leadership responsible for the attack on the International Building and the raid on our base in Mongolia.”

The two majors glanced at Kang Chan and looked back at the screen. More information popped up, each accompanied by an explanation from Kang Chan.

After about half an hour, the briefing was over, and the lights were turned back on.

“Assistant Director Kang, there are many constraints on our fighter jets’ ability to bomb the target. Have you considered that?” Park Seung-yong asked.

“The US will be handling cooperation with neighboring countries, the UN, and any aerial refueling needed between trips. We have also arranged for the fighter jets to be stationed at a nearby Chinese air base.”

“North Korea could provoke us.”

“China and Russia will take care of that.”

Park Seung-yong glanced at Lee Ki-Do and turned back to Kang Chan. He seemed to be doubtful of the plan, but he didn’t ask any further questions.

“There are many variables. Even so, we will leave in three days. Please keep this information classified. I’m telling you all of this in advance because I’d like for you to choose the soldiers to deploy in advance.”

A moment of silence permeated the room.

Afterward, Park Seung-yong and Lee Ki-do asked a few more questions before standing up. They both said their farewells and were led out by Kim Hyung-Jung.

Kang Chan sat back down with the others. “Let’s have a cup of coffee before leaving. Some cigarettes, too.”

He took out a pack and handed one to each of the men before flicking on the lighter.

As expected, a whirlwind of cigarette smoke was sucked into the ceiling vent.

This was Kang Chan’s first time seeing Jeong Won-min and Kang Myung-Gu’s faces.

At the International Building, he only saw them with their masks on. They parted ways right after the operation.

“The enemies have sixty special forces snipers. Also…”

Kang Chan told them about his agreement with the US special forces.

“How many will be selected?”

“Thirty per team.”

Cha Dong-Gyun, Jeong Won-min, and Kang Myung-Gu nodded.

“This is by no means easy. The enemy’s numbers, the snipers, the terrain… everything is against us. However, if we let those responsible for the terrorist attacks on our country go, we will continue to face attacks in the future.”

Just as Kang Chan finished, Kim Hyung-Jung returned.

A few questions and answers were exchanged, but it didn’t last too long.

Kang Chan left the conference room and went to Samseong-Dong with Kim Hyung-Jung. They had a lot of things to prepare and pack.

***

Returning to the office way after lunch, Kang Chan called for Seok Kang-Ho first.

“What is it?”

“Take this.”

Kang Chan pulled an envelope out of his inside pocket and placed it on the table.

Raising his gaze from the envelope, Seok Kang-Ho asked, “What is this?”

“It’s Ji-Hwan’s mother’s address and some money. The death notice was sent this morning. You should go and console her.”

Seok Kang-Ho swallowed, unable to speak.

“She’s an elderly woman who lives alone. Now that she has lost her son, she may have lost interest in living, too. For Ji-Hwan’s sake, go and give her the strength to live.

A stiff silence followed.

“If you’re not confident, you don’t have to go.”

“I’ll go.”

Seemingly having made up his mind, Seok Kang-Ho picked up the envelope.

“We’ll be departing the morning after tomorrow.”

“Got it.”

“Daye.”

“Yes,” Seok Kang-Ho responded with a heavy expression.

“It’s gonna be a hard battle. I need someone to lead the Jeungpyeong special forces team… I need the Seok Kang-Ho I know. I’m sure that’s what Ji-Hwan would have wanted too.”

“Captain,” Seok Kang-Ho called. When Kang Chan gazed at him, he added, “Thank you.”

“There’s a team of bodyguards waiting for you in the basement. Make sure you stick with them.”

Seok Kang-Ho stood up and grabbed his jacket. On his way to the door, he paused.

Right before he left, he bowed down toward the table.

Fuck. His heart must be breaking apart.

Kang Chan took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth.

***

Pork belly, some wrapped vegetables, long cucumbers, red peppers, garlic, sour kimchi, gochujang, brown doenjang, and rice.

While Cha Seung-Ho and Cha Seong-Ho busily moved their chopsticks, Han Kyung-Mi quickly picked up a piece of meat.

“You should eat too instead of just cooking,” she said as she put the meat in Cha Dong-Gyun’s mouth.

“You eat first. I’ll eat after grilling this.”

Hissss. Hiss.

Cha Dong-Gyun put more meat on the grill. Unfortunately, the grill was too small to handle both the children’s stomachs.

“How long will this training take?” Han Kyung-Mi casually asked, but there was a hint of anxiety on her face.

After seeing the hostage rescue situation in Afghanistan and the news broadcast about the terrorist attack on the International Building, she became more fearful.

“I don’t know either. Here, eat this.”

Han Kyung-Mi ate the piece of meat that Cha Dong-Gyun handed to him with the tongs.

“Honey.”

“Hm?”

Cha Dong-Gyun put the cooked meat on the children’s plates and raised his gaze.

“Should we have another kid?”

“Why? I thought you were firmly against it since it could be another boy.”

“I just… I thought that would be the only way to make sure you come back safely from training…” Han Kyung-Mi trailed off.

“Why are you making the kids feel anxious? It’s okay. Go on and eat, boys,” Cha Dong-Gyun reassured them.

“Mom.”

Cha Seung-Ho picked up a slice of meat on his plate with his chopsticks and placed it on top of Han Kyung-Mi’s rice bowl.

“Look. The kids are doing better than you.”

“That’s only because you’re here! They never listen to me when you’re away!” Han Kyung-Mi retorted with a bright expression, clearly trying her best to keep her emotions in check. Cha Dong-Gyun smiled. He was grateful to have her as his wife.

Hissss. Hiss. Hissss.

“Honey.”

“What?”

“Let’s have a third child when you come back from this training.”

Cha Dong-Gyun looked at Han Kyung-Mi mischievously. “Are you serious?”

“Of course! Just come back safely. We’ll have a third, fourth… maybe even more.”

Cha Dong-Gyun chuckled in disbelief. “You boys heard, didn’t you? Mom says she’s going to make you a little brother.”

“Dad! The meat’s burning!”

“Huh? Oh. That’s not good.”

Cha Dong-Gyu flipped the pork belly. Han Kyung-Mi gazed at him pitifully.

***

Kang Chul-Gyu, who had just received another call from Kang Chan, put the phone down.

“Did you get a departure date?” Kim Tae-Jin asked. Kang Chul-Gyu nodded. “The helicopter will pick us up tomorrow afternoon.”

He glanced at his watch.

“Sir, please let me go this time,” Kim Tae-Jin solemnly requested.

“I’ve already picked the twenty people who’ll be going. You’re the only one who can take care of this place while we’re gone anyway. Also, the assistant director requested two people in particular.”

The situation left them with no other choice. Aware of that, Kim Tae-Jin didn’t insist any further.

“I’m sure you’ll do a good job, but be extra careful not to let the Mongolian border guards and construction workers get any ideas.”

“Yes, sir.”

Kang Chul-Gyu smiled. “This reminds me of the old days.”

“I really wanted to follow you out back then, sir.”

“I wanted to take you too.”

“Really?”

Kang Chul-Gyu nodded.

“Then why did you leave me behind?”

“It was just the circumstances. Also, Dae-Geuk, your senior, was quite insistent.”

Kim Tae-Jin broke into laughter.

“Tae-Jin.” Kang Chul-Gyu called. He said his name the same way he had done in the past.

“Sir.”

“Thank you for letting me experience this kind of day again.”

Kim Tae-Jin awkwardly scratched his forehead. “I don’t deserve such praise. I haven’t done anything to earn it.”

Kang Chul-Gyu exhaled quietly.