Working as a police officer in Mexico-Chapter 1836 - 800: Who Doesn’t Matter—What Matters Is Not Sticking!
Capítulo 1836: Chapter 800: Who Doesn’t Matter—What Matters Is Not Sticking!
He paused, his voice low: “The Leader once said that the collapse of an Empire rarely results from a deadly blow from outside. It’s more often due to internal hemorrhaging and foolish self-exhaustion. We’re just… helping to speed up this process.”
“Let Scotland become the festering wound of England, let the Phoenix Society become the poison they have to swallow. And Mexico will quietly consolidate our spoils in North America.”
“These are the new era’s rules of the game.”
…
Two days later, December 27, 1996.
The British Prime Minister delivered a televised speech in front of 10 Downing Street, his face solemn, his tone firm:
“The despicable terrorist attack aimed at Prince Charles is an open provocation against our country, our Royal Family, and all our people. The government will never bow to terrorism. After a comprehensive assessment of the security situation, and consulting with the Scottish local government, I have authorized the Department of Defense to initiate the ‘Highland Operation.’
“Starting today, certain Army units will enter major Scottish cities to assist local police in strengthening security, implementing necessary traffic controls, and conducting nighttime patrols to ensure public safety and deter terrorists and their supporters. This is not a punishment against the Scottish people, but a protection for all law-abiding citizens from extreme violence.”
“Meanwhile, we have concrete evidence showing that recent Scottish terrorist activities have been funded and incited by the foreign extreme royalist organization ‘Phoenix Society.’ This group is attempting to exploit our internal conflicts to destabilize and disrupt the United Kingdom’s unity. I have instructed the Foreign Ministry and intelligence agencies to closely collaborate with European allies and the international community to decisively combat this transnational terror network!”
The speech was brief but packed with information.
Deploying troops to Scotland!!!
Pointing the spearhead at the Phoenix Society.
Inside Downing Street, the speech was the result of fierce bargaining. Graham provided “intelligence from Mexico about the Phoenix Society’s collusion with Scottish separatist forces”—although he knew some of it was exaggerated, he needed such an “external enemy” to shift focus, provide a more “legitimate” reason for deploying troops, and facilitate the unavoidable deal with Mexico.
The decision to deploy triggered strong protests from the Scottish Parliament and the SNP, accusing it of being “London’s military occupation,” a “rough trampling over Scottish autonomy.”
Edinburgh and Glasgow saw larger-scale protests and demonstrations, some evolving into clashes with the military police.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the remaining Phoenix Society members felt the end was near. Friedrich shivered in the Provence manor, cursing “British slander” and “internal traitors’ betrayal.” The Phoenix Society quickly went deeper underground, but internal suspicion and infighting intensified because of it.
The North American Great Lakes Region, officials from Britain’s Trustee Committee received vague but clearly intended directives from London: reduce activity scale, avoid friction with Mexico’s controlled areas, “re-evaluate resource allocation priorities.”
Mexican diplomats and British diplomats started behind-closed-door talks in a third country. The transaction proceeded silently.
…
Mexico City, National Palace.
Victor watched the BBC international news broadcast of the British Prime Minister’s speech, a barely perceptible curve on his lips.
Casare stood beside him and handed over a brief report: “‘Highland Operation’ has started. Scotland is a mess. The Phoenix Society has been publicly named, and European countries have started investigating them. Our preliminary contact with the British… their attitude is ‘pragmatic.'”
“Excellent.” Victor turned off the TV, “Tell Reinhardt, feel free to offer the British a little ‘sweetener,’ like one or two irrelevant Phoenix Society coordinates, but give it slowly, keep them hanging. As for the negotiations in North America, the bottom line can’t be retreated, but we can offer some face-saving concessions, such as reducing the number of ‘Observers.'”
“Understood.” Casare nodded, then asked, “About Scotland, those McTavish people…”
“Keep observing for now, don’t engage.”
Victor said, “They are currently startled birds, also the focus of attention from all sides. Let the British chase them first, allowing them to accumulate more hatred and despair during their escape. When they’re cornered… we’ll see if they have the value to become better pawns.”
He walked to the world map, his fingers gently brushing the British Isles.
“A divided, internally chaotic, crisis-handling Britain will not have much energy to meddle in other parts of the world.”
“The aura of the old Empire is fading, Casare. And we must patiently, bit by bit, remove that heavy crown from its wrinkled head.”
“The process may be less than honorable, but history,” Victor turned around, his eyes coldly serene, “is always written by the victors.”
The twilight of the Empire always begins to seep into darkness from the most unexpected corners.
“The British gentlemen need some people to give them a little jolt.”
