13 selected a vacant seat.
Liu Tao secured the doors and windows, drawing the Venetian blinds. The conference room was instantly plunged into shadow.
"Now, let us allow 13 to witness the events that transpired in the world during his days of unconsciousness!" Liu Tao's voice held a note of excited anticipation in the darkness.
The projector whirred to life, and 13 watched the screen with burgeoning curiosity…
February 18, 2011, Tiananmen Square Press Conference…
As Shangguan Ji, China's Minister of Information, ascended the podium, a relentless barrage of camera flashes erupted, resembling a constellation of stars. The number of international journalists in attendance today surpassed even that of the United States' mecha unveiling. This afforded the septuagenarian Shangguan Ji a profound understanding of the meaning of pride. Reflecting upon China's long-standing policy of external conservatism, he felt a multitude of sentiments stir within him.
Composing himself, he addressed the assembled journalists with a smile. "Thank you all for your presence today. I confess, the sheer number of attendees has taken me by surprise; I sincerely hope the refreshments at the subsequent reception will suffice."
The journalists present were amused by Shangguan Ji's jest, the atmosphere perceptibly lightening.
"Very well, let us proceed to the matter at hand," Shangguan Ji stated, expertly navigating the rhythm of the press conference. "The Taiwan Retrogression Army has confirmed that at precisely twelve o'clock yesterday, contact was made with the experimental mecha leased to the United States on Taiwan…"
The journalists present were all ears, their microphones practically leaping from their grasp towards the podium.
"At that juncture, the main body of our forces was engaged in peripheral operations. A United States mecha, seemingly having strayed from its designated coordinates during testing, inadvertently entered our Kaohsiung Forward Operating Base."
A ripple of laughter spread through the assembled journalists, while the American reporters shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
"Following our ineffectual warnings, fire was exchanged. Regrettably, our forces sustained seventy-six casualties without inflicting any substantive damage upon the mecha. We must concede that the United States' mecha possesses considerable capabilities…" Shangguan Ji's expression turned grave.
"On behalf of the entire nation, I hereby observe three minutes of silence for the seventy-six valiant martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice…" With these words, he closed his eyes, and the journalists present spontaneously followed suit.
"Very well, let us continue." Three minutes having elapsed, Shangguan Ji's demeanor regained its прежний vigor. "Subsequently, having exhausted all conventional methods, our forces were compelled to deploy our next-generation ultimate individual combatant – 'Special Task Force 7.'"
A profound silence descended upon the assembly, as they awaited the emergence of the second military titan to surface since the United States' unveiling…
"'Special Task Force 7' represents the culmination of China's twenty-year endeavor to adapt to the exigencies of the modern battlefield, a human-centric embodiment of the highest 'art of war'!" Shangguan Ji directed his staff to present a life-sized model of a Special Task Force 7 sniper clad in full 'White Tiger' armor, standing as tall as 13.
"This represents the complete equipment of one of Special Task Force 7's snipers. The metallic armor protects only the vital areas of the body, complemented by a new type of bulletproof combat uniform, allowing for the full exploitation of both defensive capabilities and mobility. The holographic helmet can serve as the soldier's ultimate 'eyes' in any climatic condition. As for weaponry, I shall refrain from detailed exposition at this juncture, given our nation's current state of conflict. Should you desire specific information regarding combat effectiveness, I suggest you direct your inquiries to the American mecha pilot currently leased to Taiwan. The floor is now open for questions."
An American journalist, barely able to contain his impatience, was the first to rise from his seat. "Minister Shangguan, according to your statement, a single mecha entered China's base, resulting in seventy-six casualties. If China's 'art of war' is truly so formidable, why were the losses so catastrophic?"
Shangguan Ji responded with composure, "Esteemed journalist, we are speaking of warfare. On the battlefield, any eventuality can transpire. Recall your nation's engagement in Vietnam; were there not a significant number of your finest soldiers who fell victim to the hands of women and children who could scarcely operate a firearm? We certainly aspire to the zero-casualty warfare proposed by your nation, but at my age, I can scarcely afford the naiveté of my grandchildren."
"You…!" The American journalist's face flushed crimson with indignation.
"Then, sir, do you contend that the actual outcome was the more reasonable one? The sacrifice of seventy-six lives to allow the American mecha to depart unscathed?" a diminutive Asian journalist inquired.
"May I inquire as to your nationality, sir?" Shangguan Ji asked, his gaze unwavering.
"I am a Japanese correspondent stationed in China," he stated proudly, oblivious to the hostile gazes surrounding him.
"That is not the case," Shangguan Ji corrected, standing erect. "Rather, while other soldiers were not engaged, a solitary Special Operations sniper from our forces inflicted critical damage upon two American mecha. This is what I refer to as the ultimate individual combatant! Bear in mind, that soldier remains whole and unharmed on the Taiwanese battlefield."
A collective gasp of astonishment rippled through the assembly. When the United States initially announced the existence of their mecha, they asserted that no individual soldier could contend with them. Yet now, a single Chinese operative had critically damaged two American mecha. This was tantamount to a resounding slap in the face of Edward and the American President.
"Minister Shangguan, I am a Russian correspondent stationed in China. You stated that the initial assailant was a single mecha; how then did it become two critically damaged mecha? Could you elaborate?" a female journalist inquired.
"I was just about to clarify that point. After our Special Task Force 7 sniper had already inflicted critical damage upon the mecha that attacked the base, a rescue force composed of two additional mecha arrived. One provided covering fire with a high-caliber cannon, while the other swiftly extracted the disabled mecha. Regarding their flawless coordination, having reviewed the recorded footage, I have but one observation…" Shangguan Ji offered the female journalist a smile and an approving thumbs-up. "Truly fluid; it appeared as though they practiced such extractions daily."
The journalists present were once again amused by Shangguan Ji's wit.
"Very well, very well, all of this is merely your personal assertion, Minister Shangguan. Does not China have an ancient proverb, 'empty words are no proof'?" The American journalist's face transitioned from crimson to a deep purple.
"It appears our American friend possesses some familiarity with our linguistic heritage. If you would indulge me for a moment, I shall present something for your consideration." With these words, Shangguan Ji retrieved a palm-sized fragment of white metal from beneath the podium.
"This is a piece of the shoulder plating from one of the mecha in the subsequent rescue force. I understand that when it was first recovered, traces of blood were still evident upon it. One wonders the severity of your pilot's injuries?"
The American journalist finally subsided into his seat, rendered speechless.
"This concludes today's press conference. A reception will follow shortly, and we hope you will all grace us with your presence. Our master chefs are as exceptional as our warriors, and they will assuredly provide you with a profound understanding of China's five-thousand-year culinary heritage…" Shangguan Ji stated with a smile as he descended from the podium. Although he had presided over countless press conferences throughout his career, only this one filled him with a profound and heartfelt sense of pride in being Chinese.
At that moment, a soft knock echoed through the now-silent conference room. Liu Tao deactivated the projector and switched on the lights, saying, "Enter."
The door yielded to reveal 24. 13's gaze flickered towards her briefly before returning to the now-blank screen.
"Apologies, Commander, for my tardiness," 24 reported calmly.
"It is of no consequence. I heard you were unwell; ensure you obtain sufficient rest," Liu Tao responded with concern.
"I have recovered fully, Commander." A faint blush tinged 24's cheeks; she was evidently unaccustomed to prevarication.
"Very well, find a seat. We shall continue." Liu Tao gestured absently towards the space beside 13. "Sit there."
"Understood…" 24 replied listlessly, closing the door and switching off the lights as she entered. She seated herself quietly in front of 13 in the darkness, never once meeting his gaze.
An inexplicable sense of desolation settled within 13's chest.
"13, what follows is the recorded footage of your subsequent engagement with the mecha that day." Liu Tao pressed the play button.
"This is also how I came to understand why the higher echelons have designated you the king of individual combat…" he murmured softly, continuing to watch the flickering screen…