Spy-x-War Showdown
Chapter 652 - 658

Chapter 652: 658

Yang Yi found the content of the wiretapping intriguing, yet it was a pity that he couldn’t record the intercepted conversation. However, with him present, the inability to record didn’t really matter, as he was certain he wouldn’t misremember a single word of what was heard.

Planting a bug on Jethro was actually quite risky because Yang Yi did not know if Jethro would be searched or scanned for electronic devices when he entered. If discovered, everything would be ruined.

Yang Yi felt that it would be improbable for Jethro to be searched given his status when meeting with Corkdor, so he took the gamble, and it turned out to be the right decision.

The information overheard this time was crucial.

"Let’s not talk about what happened before. My mission this time is to find Big Ivan, who, according to the intelligence we received earlier, was hiding in South America. But now it seems that this piece of information was incorrect," L said slowly, still in a very calm tone, "If Big Ivan were in South America, everything that is happening in Ukraine would not make sense. We now believe that Big Ivan is hiding in Ukraine. I must admit, the person who made the initial decisions clearly underestimated Big Ivan, and we have learned a deep lesson from this."

Corkdor spoke solemnly, "Forgive my boldness, but why are you certain that Big Ivan is in Ukraine? He might also be in Russia."

L replied indifferently, "Because there are just as many in Russia who want Big Ivan dead as there are in the United States."

The three of them fell into silence for a moment. L then continued in a deep voice, "Before coming to Ukraine, I learned of Mr. Marcel’s connection with the CIA, so I came directly to you to obtain any useful information. Dealing with Big Ivan cannot follow the traditional approach, and it should not be assumed that sending a special forces team to kill him would solve the problem."

Corkdor said in surprise, "Killing him won’t solve the problem?"

L replied indifferently, "Indeed."

Corkdor asked in a low voice, "Could you tell us why that is?"

"Sorry, that’s a secret."

The three lapsed into silence again. After a while, Corkdor asked in a deep voice, "Ms. L, we are willing to share all the intelligence we know. Do you have any advice for our actions now?"

L said solemnly, "You continue with your own affairs. We will monitor Kanchelskis and the port of Odessa. Also, I am very interested in Mr. Jethro’s proposal. I have a plan I would like to discuss with the two of you."

"Please proceed."

"We find someone to get their hands on Big Ivan’s cannons to see if we can draw him out. That is Mr. Jethro’s plan. I am not interested in those cannons, but I am very interested in Kanchelskis as a person. Let’s keep him. Mr. Corkdor, could you try to turn Kanchelskis?"

Corkdor took a breath and said, "That is certainly worth a try, but why don’t you personally attempt to turn Kanchelskis? In my opinion, the CIA has much greater deterrence and allure than we do."

L said calmly, "Because this time I intend to stay behind the scenes. I suspect that someone inside the CIA is tipping off Big Ivan."

Corkdor exclaimed, "That seems rather unlikely, doesn’t it?"

"In the war against Big Ivan, indeed, anything is possible."

Jethro hardly could get a word in, while Corkdor said softly, "I don’t quite understand. It seems difficult for me to turn Kanchelskis."

L said indifferently, "Quite simple. I cannot spread myself too thin attending to Kanchelskis because I have more important things to do. This is the war between Deyo and Big Ivan. You should be able to handle these minor issues while I deal with problems that are beyond your capacity."

After expressing her confidence, L continued, "The situation in Ukraine is chaotic. Many in the eastern regions sympathize with and support Big Ivan. The current Ukrainian government is also powerless to address these issues. No amount of personnel I bring would suffice given the chaos, but rest assured, once we locate Big Ivan, we will provide all the support necessary."

Corkdor replied solemnly, "I understand now. This war is still going to be between Mr. Marcel and Big Ivan, but when there is news, I will inform you."

L spoke in a deep tone, "You want to establish a friendship with Arseny, right? That’s the correct direction. As a return favor, I’ll talk to Arseny. As long as you can take Big Ivan’s place, there will be no obstacles on the Ukrainian government’s side."

Corkdor joyfully said, "Thank you, I could use your assistance."

L raised her voice slightly, "Let’s leave it at that for tonight. We’ll stay in touch and communicate timely. I’m pleased to have met both of you, goodbye."

After a round of cordial goodbyes, Jethro asked in a low voice, "Who is this woman?"

"Sent by the CIA; I don’t know her real identity either. Now that she’s in charge here, there’s no doubt it’s the right decision. The president was furious over the Americans’ last failure, and the CIA was put into an extremely embarrassing position. I think that her being sent here at this time means she must be pretty important."

Jethro said softly, "The CIA only ever asks us for intelligence, but if they get any, they certainly wouldn’t share it with us."

Corkdor laughed, "Yes, but isn’t that normal? Besides, given the boss’s relationship with the CIA... Never mind, it’s useless to talk about this. All we need to know is that the CIA is on our side. Isn’t it better to give them intelligence and let them take care of everything?"

After finishing, Corkdor lowered his voice, "Time is of the essence right now. I plan to meet with Arseny again tomorrow. With the CIA involved, Arseny should not impose overly harsh conditions this time. As for Artem, I’d like to ask you to handle him. Take care of Artem first, then we’ll deal with Kanchelskis."

"Fine, I’ll arrange it immediately and see Artem tomorrow. I can get in touch with him, but I’m somewhat puzzled. If L is here for Big Ivan, what could be more important than him?"

After a moment of silence, Corkdor spoke in an especially low voice, "You don’t know?"

"What?"

"When the Soviet Union collapsed, Ukraine inherited a batch of nuclear weapons. Then, Ukraine voluntarily gave up these armaments, but during the process, many warheads went missing. There have long been rumors that Big Ivan got hold of these nuclear weapons."

Jethro spoke somberly, "Of course, I’ve heard about that, but... I understand now, fuck! You’re saying that Big Ivan is using these nuclear weapons against the United States?"

Corkdor remained silent as Jethro, after a moment, said with great emotion, "That’s exactly right; those warheads are indeed more important than whether Big Ivan lives or dies."