Chapter 1127 General Hammer
“It’s not about saving the world, but about saving the West Coast, or the greater San Francisco area to be precise.” When Rossi got off a bulletproof extended Lincoln, she seemed to know what Jack was thinking. What was the general answer to the question in his mind.
Jack struggled to take off his pressurized flight suit with the help of two ground staff, took the shirt and suit from Rosie and put them on, "What happened?"
Seeing his beloved disciple, Rossi's ugly face finally relaxed a little, "The details are currently the latest." Top secret, let’s talk about it when we get to the Pentagon. The only thing I can tell you now is that Alcatraz Prison has reopened.”
Sure enough, when I met the “middle-aged Cage” Stanley Gu. Jack had a vague premonition when he came to Dr. Sibi, and this time it really came true.
He also secretly inspected the famous prison opposite the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Unlike his previous life, this prison built on a small island called "Big Rock" was not officially closed until nearly 30 years ago.
The most famous prisoner in this prison, known as Alcatraz Island, was Al Capone, the "godfather" of the Chicago Mafia. He contracted syphilis, an incurable disease at the time. He died of complications from cerebral hemorrhage eight years after his release from prison.
This is Jack's first time in the Pentagon. In a long table conference room on an unknown floor underground, a group of generals with top stars and badges and a few old guys in suits and ties are sitting separately. both sides.
The expressions on everyone's faces were not very good, but compared to those old guys in suits and ties, Jack saw the silver five-pointed stars on the epaulettes, ranging from 2 to 4, on the faces of the generals. I saw a little bit of schadenfreude.
The military ranks of the US military, especially those of general officers, are very easy to recognize. Just count the stars. One silver star is a brigadier general, two silver stars are a major general, three are a lieutenant general, and four are a general.
Of course, there are also five-star generals with five stars in a circle, such as Marshal Mai (Dag) who likes to post various comments on the Chinese Internet. There have been ten in total in American history, which is equivalent to those in other countries. marshal.
Among them, World War II naval star Raymond Spruance was awarded posthumously.
So it is not that the United States does not have marshals, it is simply a misunderstanding caused by translation problems, because the word "Marshal" that corresponds to marshal in common perception is actually more appropriately called supreme commander.
For example, the word "Marshal" does not appear in the British naval marshal's title "Admiral of the Fleet".
This specialization of the translation of American military ranks is a common problem among Seris literati, and some magical obscene stories have been specially created for this purpose.
Such ridiculous statements such as the respect for John Joseph Pershing cannot be exceeded, or that American culture emphasizes personal abilities and contributions and does not want to be reflected in a system of clear superiors and subordinates such as military ranks.
Rosie and Jack behind him were probably the last group of people to arrive. When they saw the old man and the young man walking into the conference room, people on both sides of the long table looked at the two of them.
Jack didn't know most of these people, especially the generals belonging to various branches of the military. Only a few of them had seen them on TV before, but he could name them.
For example, the bespectacled Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Army General Al Kleiman, as well as the middle-aged aunt and FBI Assistant Director Rosie who they had met once. "Little Waffles" (471).
The old man sitting next to "Little Muffin", Jack, who looks much older than Rosie, also knows that it is the current FBI Director Jim who once awarded Jack the Medal of Valor. Womack.
The old man is over 60 years old. His pale yellow hair is a little sparse but not bald. It is combed meticulously and there are deep nasolabial folds on both sides of his cheeks.
Under his coat was a black tuxedo and a loose bow tie, as if he had been dragged back from a banquet.
The Director not only nodded slightly in greeting to Rossi, but when he saw Jack behind him, he forced a smile on his ugly old face, as if he was very similar to this supervisory agent whom he had only met once. Averagely cooked.
In contrast, Assistant Director "Little Muffin"'s smile was much more sincere, and she pointed to the two chairs next to her, indicating that they should sit next to her.
"Welcome, gentlemen." Seeing Rossi and Jack sitting down, Army General Al Kleiman, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, adjusted his glasses and read the opening remarks.
"Last night, General Francis Hammer led a group of brave and tough commandos to pretend to be a security inspection, and moved fifteen E21 VX poison gas missiles from the San Francisco Naval Ammunition Depot without any blood.
In In the process, one of his men was unfortunately killed
This afternoon, General Hammer and the commando team loyal to him occupied the Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco and imprisoned those who visited the island. A total of 81 hostages, including tourists and tour guides, aimed those VX gas missiles at the San Francisco Bay area.
These are photos of General Hammer when he was a major in Iraq." br>
As the general spoke, a frontal photo of a tough Marine appeared on the screen occupying the entire wall at one end of the conference table. He was holding an M16 and had a cloth band tied to his forehead. He looked like It's a Rambo.
Sitting opposite Admiral Al Kleiman, the guy who also wore glasses could be said to be the only "young man" present except Jack. He looked like he might not even be 40 years old.
He was flipping through the information in his hand, and said loudly, "I have performed many missions in Operation Desert Storm, including the first and second Gulf Wars, the Kosovo War, and the Afghanistan War. Many battles
Won three Purple Hearts. Medal, two Silver Stars and the Navy Medal of Honor? Oh my god, this guy is a hero!”
The Purple Heart Medal can be regarded as the highest level of combat medal in the United States, although in today’s U.S. military medal system The mid-level is not too high and can be obtained by ordinary soldiers.
But the acquisition of every Purple Heart Medal means that its owner has had a close encounter with the God of Death. If he is lucky, he will have the opportunity to wear it on his chest. If he is unlucky, he will wear it on his chest. It can only be collected by relatives and friends.
The Silver Star Medal is a cross-service award with a much higher gold content than the Purple Heart. For example, if an Air Force pilot becomes an ace in air combat (shooting down five or more enemy aircraft in total), he will be considered satisfied. Conditions for Awarding the Silver Star Medal.
As for the Medal of Honor, it is regarded as the highest military medal in the United States. So far, less than 4,000 soldiers have received this medal, and nearly a quarter of them were awarded posthumously. of.
Considering that the United States has only been in a state of war for 21 years since its founding, the gold content of this medal is evident.
The Medal of Honor is a medal awarded by Congress and must be personally awarded by the president who serves as the supreme commander of the country’s armed forces. It is also the only medal that is not allowed to be legally bought and sold. Even others who are not recipients of the medal cannot wear it in public. is illegal.
There are three styles of Medal of Honor, Navy, Army and Air Force. Brigadier General Hammer was once a Marine Corps "Ma Run", so he should have received a Navy Medal of Honor.
During World War II, John Basilone, the "Machine Gun Wizard" who was said to have killed hundreds of Japs by himself, once received the same medal.
So strictly speaking, this Brigadier General Hammer is not only a war hero, but also a legend.
Obviously, Admiral Al Kleinman agrees with Jack on this point, "I think it would be more accurate to call him 'legendary', Mr. Sinclair."
“But now he has to add kidnapping and blackmail to his ‘heroic deeds. information.
However, before he could continue, he was interrupted by Mr. Admiral. The old man pulled down his glasses and looked directly at him from above the lenses, with a hint of murderous intent.
"Mr. Sinclair, General Hammer is a man who has bathed in glory." The middle-aged man blocked out the rest of his words. His expression was frozen on his face, his Adam's apple rolled up and down, but he didn't dare to say anything more.
The phone rang at this time, breaking the brief awkwardness. An adjutant picked up the red telephone on the table, listened for a moment, then covered the phone and looked at Al Kleinman Admiral.
"General, it's him."
The old man threw a piece of gum into his mouth, chewed it quickly for a moment and then said, "Bring it in."
Everyone looked at the big screen in unison, and what they saw was a thick cigar that had just been lit. The cigar was held between two thin lips.
The chin is cleanly shaved, but because the distance is too close, the blue stubble can still be seen.
As the face on the screen slowly moved back, Admiral Al Kleinman also spoke, his tone even a little relaxed and joyful about seeing an old friend again.
"Frank (Francis' nickname), it's me, Al Kleiman."
As the opposite camera zoomed out, Jack finally saw General Hammer. full picture.
The cheeks are thin and slightly sunken, and the hairline has almost reached the top of the head, but because he has the slender look common among soldiers, he looks very energetic.
The graying of his temples and the fine crow's feet at the corners of his eyes showed that he was no longer young, but his sharp gaze reminded Jack of a word, "Eagle as a Wolf."
This is an iron-blooded soldier who has come all the way from the hell of blood and fire.
“Hi, Al.” General Hammer seemed to be really familiar with the four-star general. He took a puff of his cigar and then exhaled the smoke, saying hello in a familiar manner, “Long time no see. How are you lately?”
"I don't know, Frank, what do you think? The gentlemen and ladies here are all very worried." Admiral Al Kleinman chewed gum quickly as he spoke, and looked around. a gesture of introduction.
"Then let me get straight to the point." General Hammer obviously had no intention of reminiscing with his old friend.
“Under my command, a total of 83 soldiers of the Amphibious Reconnaissance Group sacrificed their lives for the country without being known. Among them, 47 died in the Himalayas and 'Macau' alone."
"The southern border of Siris and 'Macau'?" A discordant voice suddenly interrupted this person's speech. It was still the middle-aged man named Mr. Sinclair.
"We have never admitted that we have deployed military presence there."
"Who is speaking there? Show your identity!" General Hammer's originally calm tone suddenly became violent. Apparently he was very dissatisfied with his speech being interrupted.
Jack glanced at Rosie. The old agent gave him a wry smile and silently mouthed the word politician.
However, Jack did not need to guess the specific identity of this middle-aged man, because he directly stated it next, even with a slightly proud tone.
"Hayden Sinclair, Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Liaison, White House Staff."
There was a harsh scraping sound of chairs and the ground on the other side of the video phone, and General Hammer jumped. He immediately stood up and put his face in front of the camera again.
"How old are you, Director Sinclair?"
"I am 33 years old." The middle-aged man adjusted his glasses, trying to show off his calm and leisurely aura.
At the same time, FBI Director Jim Womack looked at him from the other side with the word stupid written all over his eyes.
General Hammer's voice was full of disdain, "Okay, Director Sinclair, I forgive your stupidity and ignorance.
Because ten years ago you were just a While we were smoking idiots in frat houses for sleeping with chicks, my guys and I secretly secretly Sneaked into 'Macau' and tried to kill the leaker, we lost 16 guys that time
So, Al, why don't you get some tape over and put it on Director Sinclair's head. He's just wasting my time by opening his mouth."
Seeing that a certain politician and bureaucrat from the White House looked visibly depressed and finally stopped talking, General Al Kleinman adjusted his glasses.
“You can go on, Frank.”
“Remember Operation Desert Storm in the first Gulf War? Those wonderful shots in the CNN report, that’s because The result of me taking my soldiers on the ground to laser target.
After the war, 20 of my brothers stayed in Baghdad forever.
However, all the sacrifices, all the dead, some were listed as missing because their bodies could not be recovered, and some were simply listed as missing. Because the so-called military presence that politicians do not recognize does not even have a military funeral.”
General Hammer's low voice echoed throughout the underground conference room. This time everyone remained quiet and no one interrupted.
“Now, I have decided not to tolerate this situation anymore. You will transfer one billion U.S. dollars from the Red Sea Trading Company to the account I designated. The families of all these 83 soldiers will receive 10 million U.S. dollars as Compensation.
Was my intention clear enough? ”
It feels like I heard it accidentally. After receiving some incredible information, Jack raised a hand to half cover his face and whispered to Rosie, "Are you sure I won't be silenced after I leave that door?"
And Rossi responded with a wry smile and shook his head. Even FBI Director Jim Womack looked at General Al Kleiman in surprise, whose expression became a little embarrassed.
"What is the Red Sea Trading Company he is talking about?"
The voice was a bit loud, and General Hammer just happened to hear it, or maybe Jack's boss had some intention when he asked the question. because he didn't think anyone on his side would answer this question.
(End of this chapter)