Mercenary’s War
Chapter 1284: One Thousand Two Hundred Sixty-Seven: Ambush Point

Chapter 1284: Chapter One Thousand Two Hundred Sixty-Seven: Ambush Point

Crimea was originally a part of Russia, but in 1954, it was gifted to Ukraine. Back when both were Soviet Union member states, this arrangement posed no issues. However, after the Soviet Union collapsed, the ownership of Crimea became a complicated matter.

Historical reasons led to a unique relationship between Ukraine and Crimea. Crimea is an autonomous region of Ukraine and enjoys significant self-governance. Moreover, the vast majority of Crimea’s residents are Russian. Although Crimea is technically under Ukraine’s jurisdiction, it holds the right to lease the Sevastopol military port to Russia.

Ukraine does have troops stationed in Crimea, but their numbers are minimal—essentially symbolic. In total, the Ukrainian forces stationed there are fewer in number compared to the personnel of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet Headquarters in Sevastopol. In other words, on the ground in Crimea, Russian soldiers outnumber Ukrainian ones.

Gao Yang’s concern was whether they would be stopped when entering Crimea. They carried orders from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, but whether those orders would grant them access to Crimea was uncertain.

Krulney brought good news: the Iron Madonna group had been held up at the Crimean border checkpoint. At present, unless Iron Madonna decided to use force to break through, they would not be able to enter Crimea.

Satan’s route differed from Iron Madonna’s. While Iron Madonna took a route from Crimea’s western side, Satan instead chose a path on the eastern side. Despite both being on the border, Satan’s route was closer to their shared destination. Even if Iron Madonna were eventually allowed to pass, Satan would reach the destination first.

Of course, that was on the premise that Satan didn’t end up stuck at the border as well.

Gao Yang’s anxiety mounted. Ukraine’s nationwide upheaval had undoubtedly affected Crimea, leading to an additional checkpoint appearing on the border road into Crimea.

Nominally, Crimean troops fell under Ukraine’s command. The problem, however, was whether these soldiers intended to obey orders from Ukraine. The methods of Ukraine’s New Government were rather inept. In regions supporting the New Government, such as in Western Ukraine, the military was under relatively stable control. But in many parts of Eastern and Southern Ukraine, it remained uncertain whether local troops would obey the New Government’s orders or align themselves with Victor, the ousted leader.

The checkpoint was coming into view. Glolov instinctively adjusted his uniform and set his hat with precision.

When the car approached the checkpoint and was stopped by soldiers, Glolov stepped out of the vehicle.

The officer in charge of the checkpoint was a second lieutenant. Upon seeing the major insignia on Glolov’s uniform, he immediately saluted and said loudly, “Major, sir, please present your credentials.”

Instead of showing credentials, Glolov handed over the orders from the Ministry of Defense and spoke softly, “Take a look at this and quickly let us pass! This is a confidential mission; keep it quiet.”

The second lieutenant took the orders and glanced at them, but his expression became awkward as he said, “I need to notify my superiors. We need approval from the Crimean Autonomous Government before you can proceed.”

Glolov’s face darkened as he replied sternly, “These are orders from the Ministry of Defense! Lieutenant, we’re on a tight schedule. If you insist on requesting approval, fine—relay to your superior that any consequences will be on your end! Or you can order the barriers removed now and let us pass. Make your decision quickly.”

If the lieutenant had been resolute, Glolov would have switched to another approach. However, the lieutenant did not appear to be someone who firmly stuck to principles. Faced with Glolov’s stern demeanor, he hesitated briefly before eventually handing the orders back to Glolov. Then, he waved his hand and barked, “Clear the way! Let them through!”

Glolov returned to the car with a serious expression, and the convoy quickly moved past the checkpoint. Once the checkpoint was far behind them, Glolov let out a breath and chuckled over the radio, “Guys, we’re through!”

Gao Yang, too, felt relieved. A major hurdle had been resolved with unexpected ease. Now that they were in Crimea, the rest of the journey would be much smoother.

They continued on their way, but Gao Yang’s mood was much lighter now. They had successfully left the Iron Madonna group behind. The concern now was not whether they’d have time to ambush Iron Madonna but rather whether Iron Madonna could even make it into Crimea. If Iron Madonna remained stuck outside Crimea and ultimately failed to enter, then the whole endeavor could turn into a joke.

Other than calling Krulney to inform him they had passed the checkpoint, Gao Yang had nothing else to attend to and focused on advancing toward their goal. At around eleven o’clock at night, they arrived in Feodosia.

They parked the vehicle in the northern suburbs of Feodosia. Gao Yang stepped out of the car, stretched lazily, and immediately spoke into the radio, “Everyone equip night vision devices. Rest here temporarily. Two people on guard duty. If there’s nothing urgent, get some rest.”

After issuing the orders, Gao Yang called Krulney.

When Krulney answered, Gao Yang spoke softly, “We’ve arrived. Now tell me about your research results. Where’s the best location for an ambush?”

“Iron Madonna took a detour. It’s still unclear whether they’ll manage to enter Crimea, but I think there shouldn’t be a problem. Crimea is ultimately still part of Ukraine. Taking an alternative route should allow them to get in. However, it’s uncertain when they’ll arrive. I estimate you at least have four hours.”

“Four hours? That’s plenty. Now tell me the location.”

“The consequences of fighting within the city would be too severe. I recommend a place called Brezny. It’s in the northeast corner of Feodosia, with extensive but sparsely populated buildings and a road that leads directly to the city hall. It controls the E97 Motorway. If Victor plans to leave, the most likely route is through Brezny. Setting up Angel Mercenary Corps there makes perfect sense.”

Gao Yang snapped his fingers and shouted, “Map!”

Eileen quickly brought a map to Gao Yang, laid the map out on the ground, and illuminated it with a small flashlight. Gao Yang traced the road on the map with his hand, located the place Krulney mentioned, and pressed his finger down on it. He then spoke in a deep voice, “This location works. Now I’ll contact Angel Mercenary Corps and have them spread false information. Reach out to Iron Madonna again in twenty minutes. If anything unexpected happens, contact me right away.”

After hanging up on Krulney, Gao Yang immediately called Nate Schumacher. When Nate answered, Gao Yang restrained his excitement and said in a deep voice, “The location is confirmed: a place called Brezny in the northeast corner of Feodosia. Buddy, you can start releasing information now!” (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile readers, please visit m.qidian.com for access.)