London, MI6 Headquarters.

The rapid footsteps of a spy echoed with a clatter on the marble floor.

"Ma'am, the latest intelligence."

An intelligence briefing was placed in front of Lady M.

"What's the urgent matter?"

Lady M was well aware that every morning a briefing would be delivered to her, summarizing all the important intelligence and movements of various organizations MI6 collected worldwide the previous day.

The morning meeting had already been held, and it was now ten in the morning, so anything delivered at this time must be urgent and needed immediate reading.

"It's an urgent message from North Africa."

"North Africa?"

Lady M picked up the briefing with a perplexed expression and opened it.

"What's happening over there?"

Recently, the Americans have intensified their deployments in the Sahel region, setting up bases under the pretext of counter-terrorism and stationing Green Berets there.

This action has caused some discomfort for both Britain and France.

After all, it's their backyard.

Back in the day, America pursued the "Monroe Doctrine," asserting isolationism in North America, declaring "America for the Americans," which was a warning aimed at the old European powers, advising them to keep their meddling out of America.

Of course, the premise was that America wouldn't interfere with European and African affairs, respecting a non-interference policy.

But World War II changed everything.

After the war, the emergence of the two superpowers, the US and USSR, sparked an "independence movement" in colonies worldwide, overturning the colonial footholds established by the old European powers. Most colonized nations swiftly withdrew from the Commonwealth and the French Federation.

The consequence was the abolition of old-fashioned colonialism, yet the Americans, through the Marshall Plan and US dollar hegemony, upgraded colonial means to version 3.0, establishing a new method to control the world, which made the British and French colonial empires feel uneasy, although they had to grin and bear it outwardly.

And now, the Americans' appetite is no longer confined to financial hegemony.

Because Africa's financial sector is weak, to control Africa, the best method remains the old colonial practice—supporting puppet regimes.

And there, in the British and French reserved territory, the Americans needed a legitimate excuse to enter, since nominally they were still allies.

Post-9/11, the Americans finally found an excuse to enter Africa, beginning large-scale deployment of Special Forces there, especially the Green Berets.

The role of the Green Berets goes beyond combat; more importantly, they train and are experts in guerrilla warfare and subversion.

Wherever they go, they establish local forces of their own, conducting a series of military actions to overthrow regimes disliked by the Americans.

And the Sahel region was the first area the Americans entered, as it was in turmoil, with various armed forces rampant and various terrorist organizations expanding, making it the best wedge for their entry into Africa.

No wonder Lady M tensed up upon hearing of troubles in Africa, immediately suspecting the Americans.

Could it be that this so-called ally, in reality, nothing but a boorish upstart, was stirring up trouble again over there?

Especially lately, the activities of the Americans and Mossad there have been frequent.

According to information gathered by MI6's overseas intelligence network, they seem recently interested in a Chinese PMC company boss.

This person is named Song.

According to the intelligence, he was once a secret contractor for the CIA, helping them conduct numerous shady dealings in Mexico and South America.

Currently, this Mr. Song is listed in UN files as a terrorist, and he's on the United States' list of terrorist organizations and leaders.

His company had previously contracted American logistics and transport in Illiguo, thriving until relations suddenly soured, and now the Americans are chasing this Chinese man across the world, it is rumored to be a classic case of using a donkey for millwork and then discarding it; however, it backfired and the donkey kicked back.

In a matter of months, Mossad and the CIA lost many elites, dragging even the "Watcher" battalion under the traditional secret society "Elder Council" in America into the mess.

Of course, Lady M believes there's no conflict of interest between her and Song Heping. This kind of ruthless mercenary leader is not worth pursuing as long as there's no conflict of interest, so the British have always maintained a hands-off approach.

After all, however the CIA and Mossad choose to make trouble, it's their business, no British nationals are at risk.

Then, an individual's appearance made things delicate.

And that person was Henry.

A former senior analyst from Naval Intelligence, who had several times been seconded to MI6 to assist in missions; regarding his capabilities and professionalism, Lady M acknowledged them and once considered recruiting him.

However, Henry seemed uninterested in joining MI6, so it was eventually dropped.

But Henry's background is prominent.

The CIA sent a report to MI6, requesting detailed information on Henry and assistance in apprehending him, which incensed Lady M though she couldn't vent her anger.

Firstly, Henry was indeed a former analyst in the British intelligence system, unquestionably so, and the intelligence community has an unspoken rule that you clean up your own backyard.

Secondly, Henry joined Song Heping's team, becoming one of them, taking on the role of head of the intelligence department. Given Song Heping's sensitive status at the moment, as the saying goes, don't pull melons from a melon patch or untie shoes under a plum tree. Although there's no evidence of Henry being involved in any terrorist actions, since the Americans made an official request for assistance, Lady M had to superficially agree.

Yet, she wasn't pleased.

Why should she be?

A former employee of an intelligence agency, has been away from the intelligence system for years.

Still thinking about going to MI6 to demand accountability after something happened?

This American is just too overbearing.

"Henry has appeared in Morocco."

The agent standing in front of the desk reported in a low voice.

"According to intelligence from the past few days, Song Heping was in South Sudan, leading his team to wipe out the North Africa Second Squad of the 'Satan' Corps, and also killed a local warlord named Damar. This guy collaborated with 'Satan' to hunt down Song Heping and was backfired. Song Heping executed Damar and eliminated the 'Satan' North Africa Second Squad, releasing all the pictures on the Dark Web, including photos of the team members eliminated at Illiguo. He publicly warned everyone that provoking him was tantamount to seeking death..."

"This kid is really wild."

Lady M extended a finger and rubbed her temple.

After reading the brief, she looked up at the agent in front of her, who was the head of the analysis department, David.

"David, what do you think of this man named Song?"

"This person is not a threat to us for the time being, but I can confirm he is a dangerous element. Now both Mossad and the CIA are hunting him, and there aren't many places in the world where he can settle. Now entering Africa, I estimate this person wants to establish himself there. If that's the case, it might be a threat to us in the future."

The head of the intelligence analysis department, David, gave his assessment.

Lady M said, "Do you mean, assist the Americans in taking him down?"

After speaking, she gently closed the brief, her gaze falling on David's face.

"Henry appearing in Morocco might be an opportunity, but I have a question. According to the brief from two days ago, they should have entered Ethiopia, then turned towards Somalia. Your speculation to me was that he would seek out Abdul to take revenge for being attacked in Egypt. Is that correct?"

"That's right, Song Heping's style has become high-profile since leaving South America, seemingly forced by the CIA and Mossad. He's no longer staying low-key but has chosen to face them head-on, so he will certainly go to Somalia and seek out Abdul, as he always avenges his grievances."

"He's certainly a talent..."

Lady M suddenly showed a cold smile.

"Daring to confront the two top intelligence agencies in the world head-on, should I say he's a madman or a genius?"

After pausing for a moment, she asked again, "Is there a possibility that China is backing him? Recently, there have been more than one person like this appearing in Africa, including that Qin Fei. Many signs suggest he has China's secret forces behind him."

"No, this is different." David said, "I've investigated for a long time and indeed found no contact between him and China's secret forces. However, there is a slight similarity to Qin Fei; neither of their files can be found."

"China is still doing a very good job in terms of confidentiality..."

Lady M seemed a bit disappointed.

After all, whether or not China is supporting him would affect her decision.

"Madam, we have an operational team in Morocco. Should we get Henry back?"

"Let me think..."

Lady M stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the Thames River.

After a long time, she turned around, her gaze becoming very firm.

"First, capture Henry. This is a rare opportunity. He is the intelligence department manager for the 'Musician,' and his head must hold a lot of intelligence about Song Heping. For us, this intelligence is a resource; instead of falling into the Americans' hands, it's better we get it first, at least to have more chips during negotiations and exchange for things we want."

"Yes, but this needs to consider future hostilities with this person, Song Heping."

David's face showed a trace of concern.

He had gone through all of Song Heping's action briefs.

This person, as Lady M said, is either a lunatic or a genius.

If you provoke such a person, you must have sufficient value; otherwise, it won't be worth it.

"First, invite Henry back, after all, he is our former colleague; let's consider it a reunion, you know."

Lady M's gaze was full of slyness.

"If we can obtain key intelligence, then Song Heping is no longer a threat, isn't he?"

"Okay."

David understood the meaning.

"I'll do it right away."

"Wait."

Lady M stopped David, who was about to leave.

She raised her query: "Why did Henry appear in Morocco at this time? Shouldn't he have followed Song Heping into Somalia?"

"Don't worry about this, Madam; I've investigated. Henry is an intelligence analyst, classified as a civilian in the 'Musician' defense. All civilians stayed in Ethiopia and did not enter Somalia, including their administrative director and financial director Ferrari, who also didn't enter. After all, Somalia is an extremely dangerous region, not suitable for civilians. Henry must have been idle waiting for orders in Ethiopia. He has a lover in Morocco, which we had known before. This time, he likely intended to meet his lover during the downtime before Song Heping's action. I've seen Henry's file; he is somewhat lecherous."

"Oh! That's how it is..."

Lady M laughed.

"It seems our former employee Mr. Henry is quite a playboy. Alright, go ahead and act swiftly; aim to get him before the CIA notices him."

"Rest assured, Madam."

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com