The Little Prince in the Ossuary
Chapter 55

00055

#Do whatever you want(有所作爲) (4), Camp Roberts

When Gyeo-ul returned from the Triad, he’d automatically sought the opinions of the two managers.

“You’d better not do anything for a while.”

This was Min Wan-ki’s opinion.

“You have to pay attention to other organizations, hm! The rapidly-growing Winter Alliance is now joining with the Triads.” There came a cough. “No matter how much conflict there is with Chinese organizations, other organizations will feel threatened. Now, hm! It’s time to build stability.”

“Are you all right?”

When Gyeo-ul asked, the middle-aged scholar merely nodded in reply. “Don’t worry. Thanks to the efforts of the little captain, everyone is getting enough medicine. I’m just, uhm. It’s just a matter of age and physical strength. You’ll understand when you’re my age.”

If he said so, it meant he would be fine. Min Wan-ki was not the type to overdo things.

Jang Yeon-chul then spoke. “I agree. It’s not just about other organizations. Maybe it’s because of the sudden increase in unfamiliar faces, but people are anxious. Rooting out drugs is urgent, but if there’s a conflict, the agitation in the alliance will grow.”

Gyeo-ul nodded. “If you two are feeling like that, then it must be so. I’ve been doing a lot of work out there, so I don’t know the atmosphere of the alliance as well as you do.”

That was at least half true. Gyeo-ul had been busy receiving Lee Hoon-tae’s memo from Kang Young-soon. It was just that he didn’t trust him a hundred percent.

“But, Sir… Have you got any idea how to do it?”

“Do what?”

“How to hit the [Anryang Corporation].”

Through his coughing, Min Wan-ki seemed to be curious about the little leader’s plans.

Gyeo-ul confirmed, “I don’t know if it’s going to work… but yes, I do.”

Perhaps anxious, Yeon-chul intervened. “You’re not trying to sneak out on your own at night, are you?”

It was such a naïve idea that Gyeo-ul just had to burst into laughter for a while.

“It’s not like that. I was planning to attract a third party.”

“Third party? Are you saying there’s a third party in this camp who’s not afraid of the Chinese in the corporation and who won’t mind Captain Markert’s protection?”

“The police.”

Gyeo-ul’s answer puzzled Yeon-chul, and the same went for Min Wan-ki. Trying to figure Gyeo-ul out didn’t seem to be easy at all.

Seeing their expressions, Gyeo-ul continued to speak. “That’s what they’re supposed to do. We need to get them to work.”

The army and the police didn’t get along well. In many ways, the police were subordinate. There were differences in roles and sizes, as well as armaments. The division of public security was nothing more than an act.

The police only prevented refugees from invading civilian residences, attempting to overthrow the camp, or causing uncontrollable disturbances. Murders had become so frequent as to prove the police’s neglect.

“They won’t be able to ignore the little boss, but they’ll avoid the hassle. They don’t want to help.”

Yeon-chul’s words held a separate meaning, suggesting that Gyeo-ul seemed to be overconfident. From what he saw, it was natural for one his age.

Gyeo-ul decided to explain a little more about it. “It’s the other way around.”

“Huh?”

“They won’t be helping me; I’m going to help them.”

This puzzled Yeon-chul. However, Min Wan-ki seemed to have some understanding of the situation now. “You’re trying to get the Chinese to touch the police first.”

“That’s right.”

“If it’s not a big incident, will the police act?”

“It’ll be pretty hard to ignore. They’re sensitive to the possession of weapons.”

“A weapon? You wouldn’t say that if you were just talking about a knife or a club…”

“I’ve got a pretty good guess. I think they’ve made a bow or a sling bow or something like that. Do you think they won’t act when they see that kind of lethal weapon used to attack the police?”

Min Wan-ki laughed as he coughed. “Huh. I’m wondering how you’re going to induce them. I’m sure you’re already certain enough to tell us, but… for later, hmmm? I’ll look forward to it. But let me ask you something else in the meantime. What if the police still don’t make a move? Well, I guess”—he paused to cough some more—“I think the military has more power than the police.”

“There’s a state senator I met when I was awarded the Order of Merit. If it works as you say, I’m going to bring him in.”

Gyeo-ul recalled a California senator who had been a nuisance at a recent medal ceremony. What was his name? He hadn’t been interested at the time, but he thought he could probably use it now. An attention-hungry politician would accept a war hero’s request to speak up for the police. He was barely aware of the interests involved in the refugee camp.

Two rows of barbed wire. That was the only boundary, but citizens and refugees lived in completely different worlds.

“Senator Joo…”

“All right, all right. You’re under federal control right now, but you don’t want National Guard officers to be hated by the state senator.” Min Wan-ki coughed again. He looked like he wanted to talk longer, and yet he kept his mouth shut as if it were hard to get the words out.

The governor normally held the command of the National Guard, but in the event of a war or national disaster, it was quietly transferred to the federal government. This was what Min Wan-ki meant.

It was difficult to think about the future, but it would be harder not to think about it at all. They were here under quarantine, but a state senator could personally file a petition with the federal government. Furthermore, it would come from the youngest war hero, so the effect would be considerable.

Gyeo-ul then added, “If he doesn’t act, the citizens are next.”

Min Wan-ki clapped and laughed. He seemed like he had forgotten he was sick.

“That’s right, that’s right. Haha! You were an American hero.”

Jang Yeon-chul, who was listening while hiding his sullen feelings, also changed his expression to one of admiration.

“I didn’t think that far. You always look at the bigger picture.”

“I just don’t forget what I have.”

Gyeo-ul spoke once more. “If possible, I’m going to take this opportunity to make sure that I blow up Markert. I don’t like him.”

“If someone else had said that, I would have assumed it was a joke.” That was Jang Yeon-Chul’s one thought on the subject.

Min Wan-ki had to agree. “Little Captain,” he coughed, “if you ever make your name in history… that would be the best example of Bonapartism.”

“Bonapartism? Is that related to Napoleon?”

As Gyeo-ul tilted his head, Min Wan-ki began to explain.

“Yes, that’s right. There are many complicated stories, but basically, if you think of it as a power-dependent order, that’s right.”

Intelligence correction supplemented Min Wan-ki’s explanation. Gyeo-ul gave him a light smile, now understanding fully.

“Thank you for the compliment. I won’t be ruined like Napoleon.”

“That’s what I’m saying. When I see you working, you don’t seem like someone who’s trying to solve everything with your power.”

“That’s enough flattery. I might get ruined.”

Yeon-chul was getting sullen again. Gyeo-ul spoke to him before it was too late.

“That’s how it is, so don’t worry, Mr. Jang. It’s not like I can’t use it over time. Please try to stabilize the alliance for now. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Huh? Oh, well, even if you’re busy, it would be better if you showed your face more often. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve; I’m sure everyone would be very happy just to be with you.”

“Won’t that make them uncomfortable?”

“Not at all!” Yeon-chul denied strongly. “In fact, I’d like to throw a big party if I could. We’re inviting people from other organizations that are allied with us, and we’re bragging. We will be able to create unity not only within the alliance but also at the union level. That’s something we couldn’t even try without you! The little captain is the center of everything! Who the hell would feel uncomfortable?!”

“Oh, yes… Just, please, relax a little bit.”

Gyeo-ul calmed the heated Yeon-chul down with gestures. It was a good response overall.

“Let me think…” Gyeo-ul pondered a little. “I was actually already preparing for Christmas. I asked the department to rent a warehouse. I bought this and that with last month’s salary, but… I’m afraid it’s not good enough. It’s only, like, a thousand dollars worth of ham, bacon, candy, and snacks.”

A thousand dollars was not a small amount of money, but considering the scale of the expanded Winter Alliance, there was no chance of it sufficing. Considering the different organizations that formed the coalition, the number of members was well over a thousand. That worked out to less than a dollar for each.

“Well, let’s just do it within the alliance… and you have prepared something, too…”

The way he asked for permission with his eyes didn’t fit his age, but it helped him gain people’s trust. Gyeo-ul couldn’t help but say yes.

“Then make a place. I’ll look forward to it.”

“I’ll make it as fun as I can!”

Yeon-chul felt very motivated. Next to him, Min Wan-ki smiled a little bit.

After Gyeo-ul sent the two managers away, Kang Young-soon came in to deliver a note as always. Gyeo-ul said thank you and then read it right away. There was never anything good in the notes; it was better just to read and get rid of them on the spot.

Using the eyes and ears of disabled people had not proved to be in vain. It was not only Lee Hoon-tae—but other disabled people were also cooperating as much as possible. The information that came from them helped in many ways.

“Nothing happened today.”

If there were anything important, she would mark it separately and then leave it out.

Even if nothing happened, there was much to be gained from the conversation.

‘I don’t need to think about forming a third combat group.’

In fact, he had been considering Ahn Jae-Joong as the team leader. He didn’t know if he was really from the Marine Corps, but he was still one of the three people who had shown courage in Paso Robles, where everything had been uncertain.

However, based on his usual behavior, Gyeo-ul was beginning to think it would be a mistake. He wasn’t bad, but he wasn’t reliable either. Looking at the memo, he talked endlessly about his last trip to Paso Robles. This came with a lot of exaggeration.

People’s reactions had also been written down. They had shown great interest at first, but now they were tired of him and avoiding him.

‘He’s not the type to gain respect and trust.’

As Gyeo-ul’s eyes lingered on one part, old Kang Young-soon spoke up with a notebook and a pen.

「I think you’d better not let him go outside.」

“Yes, but I can’t help it. There aren’t many people who have that kind of courage. It’s a shame.”

What if they used him as a team member, not a team leader? His pride would be very hurt. The other two who had gone to Paso Robles together had become team leaders; he was the only one still left in the group. He would still be looking forward to it.

“I’ll find him something else to take responsibility for, inside.”

「You know how to use people.」

“Stop complimenting me. I’ve been hearing a lot of it lately.”

A simple joke drew the old man’s smile. Gyeo-ul turned the notes over and found some things that had been highlighted. They were all about Park Jin-seok.

“This is not good…”

Park Jin-seok also had excellent physical abilities. The problem was that he applied his standards to others without exception. If the U.S. military failed the PT test, they had to take extra PT. As more losers came out than from Yura’s group, Jin-seok seemed to have hurt his pride.

He had also scheduled physical fitness until Christmas Day and Eve.

“If I say it myself, it’ll look bad, so I’ll have to go through Mr. Jang.”

The old man nodded at this. Jang Yeon-chul was indeed very qualified to deal with this problem.

「Maybe I’m supposed to say this.」

The fine handwriting attracted Gyeo-ul’s eyes.

「But I saw you discussing something with the two managers for a long time.」

「If you have any concerns, I’d like to hear them, too. Wisdom grows with more people.」

After a moment’s thought, Gyeo-ul decided to only talk about the first part. In order to lower the alertness of other organizations, they had decided to postpone necessary actions for a while. In the meantime, they had also decided to strengthen the internal stability of the organization.

「Certainly, all three of you are wise. But I don’t think it’s good to be too quiet.」

“Why? Because you don’t want your opponent to look down on you?”

“That’s right.”

「I’d like to tell you an old story.」

「I lived in Pyongyang when I was a child. When I was sixteen, I went through the Korean War.」

「As the Allied forces moved northward, I thought the war would end. However, everything changed once the Chinese army entered the war. The retreat was faster than the rumor. The Allies abandoned Pyongyang in such a hurry.」

While he was writing, Gyeo-ul waited quietly.

「I heard about it later. In fact, the North Korean and the Chinese had not been prepared to fight the Allies again.」

「They were starving and watching, and when the Allies abandoned Pyongyang of their accord, they came down.” 」

Gyeo-ul saw what he was trying to say. “So you’re telling me not to show weakness even when I’m weak?”

「Yes, I am.」

「Of course, it’s true that the allies are anxious.」

「So, as subtly as possible, make a request that the other organizations will accept.」

「That is how you make the others think, “Now that we have accepted this, they won’t want anything else anymore. The Winter Alliance will be safe for a while. It seems that the inside of the Winter Alliance is more stable than I thought if they’ve made such a request.” 」

“That’s good. Thank you for your good advice. So, have you thought about what I should ask for?”

The old man laughed softly again.

「Like I said before, why don’t you bring good people in from other organizations?」

“That’s a nice idea.”

Other organizations were likely to accept if they tried to make a deal with a moderate price and felt they were benefiting from this a little. It would also have the effect of stabilizing the relationship.

‘Mr. Min’s work is going to increase at this rate. He’s still not over his cold.’

With that thought, Gyeo-ul promptly came up with a new safety device and asked the elderly Kang Young-soon to clean up the identities of those to be recruited.