[Chapter 825: Shock Therapy Concludes]
William White had managed to outsmart them all, and even Bill Gates was not openly furious. His biggest concern centered around the possibility of that guy buying back the operating system.
Coughing slightly, Gates seemed to overthink things. While making money was surely important, he wouldn't let anyone trample over his hard work. An operating system wasn't a video gaming company; the effort involved was considerably different.
The boss had been in a good mood lately, and everyone nearby noticed it. The air was filled with the same sweat as they worked out, yet the oppressive ambiance was absent.
"Whew, whew, Tanner, you don't normally show up at this hour. What's going on?"
"Cough, sir, the situation in Sarajevo is still unresolved, and the Russians seem unable to restrain themselves."
"Seriously? Who in their right mind would provoke them now? A wounded beast is the one that's most dangerous."
"It's not exactly a provocation. It's more about domestic issues. It seems Grozny might be on the verge of chaos."
"Ha! They couldn't hold back any longer? If they could have, they wouldn't be the Russian bears we know.
By the way, Tanner, is this just another CIA jerk stirring the pot?"
"No strong evidence here, but they haven't exactly been a force of good."
"They have a keen eye. They realize the importance of that region. Do the Russians not understand this?
The Caucasus is a place they can't afford to abandon. Tsk, tsk, they're in dire straits as it is. Without oil, what do they expect to do? Hunt?"
"Sir, it's really bad for the Russians. They might not even have funds to pay their soldiers. They're still negotiating, but success seems unlikely."
"Well, of course negotiations would fall through. They've got black gold beneath them, yet they're struggling so much that anyone would feel bitter about it.
The key issue is that the Russians are already fragmented. How much worse can it get for them? It's a pity, though; the Caucasus isn't just any region. Its importance is unrivaled."
"Other than that, it's mainly just this news."
"Forget about them. When two broke idiots fight, there's no benefit and no clear outcome."
"Got it."
The warm water flowed over his body, gradually relaxing his tense muscles.
William White found it hard to understand why there were so many idiots in Washington.
They had already created their own mess; now they seemed intent on making another.
Dealing with the Russians should have been uncomplicated. They had lost their initiative. Allow them to make money and enjoy life. If they could supply vodka daily, why fight?
The Caucasus region held about as much importance for the Russians as the Northeast did for America.
Even the most reluctant bear would be pushed to its limits. There was no way the self-proclaimed fighting nation would let go of such terrain.
Every country had its so-called core values, and for the Russians, those values were the resources they possessed. Despite the low oil prices, it was still their only source of foreign income. If that vanished, they would fight tooth and nail.
Right now, trying to suppress oil prices seemed utterly pointless. In the end, it would just establish a cycle where the large fish devour the small ones.
As a part of the elite, William White felt he had no right to complain. As long as he played it cool, no one would call him out.
The sad part was that this tactic had been overused by the U.S. by now. The Russians were definitely struggling, and when they attempted the same trick again, it would likely not go as smoothly.
"Analysts noted that tensions rose in Grozny, suggesting a possible decline in Russian oil production."
"Ha! Filson, the Caucasus isn't even buying oil from the Russians anymore. With that much oil, who are they selling it to?"
"It's indeed a trap, but does it look like they're questioning Russian intelligence? Pulling the same stunt twice?"
"Oil may lose its value, but the Caucasus is irreplaceable. Sigh, Filson, Tanner just reported in. It seems war might be imminent."
"Sir, it's honestly puzzling. If tensions are high, oil prices wouldn't drop, and gold is surprisingly plummeting. Is this a forced short-squeeze?"
William White sighed to himself, thinking about the absurdity of a price war between the desert tycoons and the Russians. What wouldn't the U.S. dare to engage in?
The most ridiculous part was that all the experts were speaking confidently about the situation. While the desert tycoons aimed to hurt the Russians, they were also eying the American shale market.
Well, maybe someone should consider their national strength before striking out. Even if the rabbit states engaged in a price war, it would still hold more credibility.
In reality, those rabbits wouldn't go that far. They wouldn't touch such sensitive oil matters; they'd just issue a few permits for rare earths.
Utilizing resources in national competitions would inevitably lead to mutual destruction. The U.S. could conduct such operations primarily because no one could stand against it.
However, it seemed the U.S. had miscalculated this time. The Caucasus region was definitely not a place where trouble could be tolerated.
Let's not even discuss strategic reserves; if that area fell to chaos, the Russians could be left without basic necessities.
The U.S. played the game of shock therapy, and, indeed, the Russians took the bait. At this moment, they should have remained quiet.
As long as everyone kept quiet, the Russians would depart calmly and peacefully. A bunch of fools poking the bear's heartstrings at such a critical time.
William White began to feel uncertain; were these guys really out to salvage the situation?
Not that every war is a disaster, but when a country faces fragmentation, only the threat of life and death can unify them.
It was at that moment the Russians recognized the true face of the United States.
Yes, it was evident they supported this blatant insurrection. This peculiar policy only changed after 9/11.
Eagle Nation suddenly realized how utterly unprepared they were against terrorists. The fierce Russians outclassed the U.S. on that front.
Most of the world's toughest rescue operations were invented by the Russians. There was never any negotiation; they either prepared to attack or they just executed their targets.
Eventually, no terrorists dared to show up. It was terrifying; with relentless killing, numbers naturally favored the populated.
The foolish actions of Washington were not universally supported, as exemplified by the former president sprawled on a lounge chair, soaking up the sun.
"A bunch of morons, over a decade's worth of effort down the drain. Sigh, how did such an idiot even make it to that position?"
Old Bush felt somewhat frustrated. It was maddening to be defeated by such a fool. What luck was he having?
"Say, Dad, if they drove a wedge into the Caucasus, then it would be game over for them."
"Ha! Do you think the Russians were unaware of its importance?"
Young Bush wanted to snap back that the bald guy certainly looked supportive. Unfortunately, that guy was now a mere figurehead, completely lacking any tangible influence.
"Son, some things take time. If that little mustache hadn't initiated Operation Barbarossa, the Russians could have self-destructed on their own.
Maybe if he had waited a year before launching, you would see the elites surviving the Great Purge cleaned out too.
Sigh, it's a shame these fools have awakened the sleeping giant."
Old Bush harbored feelings of resentment and perhaps even gloom, unsure whether it was a scheme by Clinton or a rogue operation by the CIA.
Or perhaps it was just those greedy parasites having their say.
*****
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