Volume I, Military Camp Chapter 1: Military Prison
By Xiao Xiang Dong'Er Translated and Arranged by Angel Chua
Edited by Angel Chua 01 June 2019
On May 12, 2009, at two o'clock in the morning, on the outskirts of the wilderness, near the capital city, a convoy of seven black cars sped along.
Two cars led, two followed, and two flanked a central black Mercedes. The powerful engine of the military vehicles hummed smoothly. The body of the car was constructed entirely of high-performance aluminum alloy, and a spiral-shaped bulletproof pattern was visible on the windshield. There were no license plates, nor any special military insignia. It was questionable how such a convoy managed to leave the city's strict gates unnoticed.
An hour later, the convoy entered a khaki-colored building on the outskirts of the city. Four soldiers in camouflage uniforms stepped forward, signaling the cars to stop for inspection. A front door opened, and a young man in a black suit exited the car, handing over a crimson sign. After a lengthy check, the soldier responded, "I need to ask my superior."
The man's brows furrowed, his tone urgent, and there was a hint of frustration in his voice. "This has the signature of Commander Hua. Who else do you need to ask?"
The soldier replied with a blank expression: "Major, the superior has just issued an order. Except for a direct visit from the commander, anyone entering the military-restricted area must have the joint signatures of Commander Hua and Chief of Staff Zhang. Otherwise, entry is not allowed."
"You—"
"Li Yang."
A low voice suddenly spoke from behind the car. The driver pressed a button, and the black Mercedes' window slowly rolled down, revealing the slightly tired face of an elderly man. The soldiers looked surprised and immediately stood at attention, saluting the commander. "Aye, Sir!" they said in unison.
The Chinese commander gave a slight nod. "Can we enter now?"
The soldier hesitated briefly and then responded, "According to the chief's report, Chief of Staff Zhang has ordered that no vehicles may enter the restricted area. Everyone must proceed on foot."
The commander frowned, patting his leg. "I have to walk too?"
The soldier looked uncomfortable, glancing at the commander's injured leg before replying, "I apologize, Commander. These are the superior's orders. No vehicles are allowed. Please walk."
Li Yang's face darkened with anger, but the commander waved his hand gently, turning to him. "Li Yang, go in. Take my badge and ensure that 005 is brought out intact. The Military Intelligence Bureau cannot afford another loss like 003. They are the country's assets."
Li Yang stood in silence for a moment, his face reflecting both reverence and determination. He saluted the old man, saying firmly, "Rest assured, Commander. I will complete the mission."
Just then, a massive explosion erupted in the distance. A dark mushroom cloud rose into the night sky. Li Yang's eyes widened, and without saying another word, he rushed toward the military restricted area.
That night, the people in the capital slept peacefully, unaware of the enormous explosion outside the city's Fourth Military Prison—an event that would soon shake the world. In the darkness, the eyes of foreign nations were quietly watching, waiting for dawn.
Four hours earlier.
In the trial hall of the Fourth Military Prison, seven senior officers in military uniforms sat in judgment. Their epaulets gleamed with stars, indicating their high rank. On the bench were five military judges, each representing major military regions, unaffiliated with any specific system. Below them were over 20 national first-class special forces, armed with Colt D733 5.56mm assault rifles.
The atmosphere in the courtroom was solemn, with all eyes focused on the defendant. The presiding judge, wearing a military uniform, cleared his throat and spoke.
"Name."
"Chu Qiao," came the quiet, calm response. The voice, though hoarse, clearly belonged to a woman.
Indeed, the figure sitting on the dock wore light green military pants and a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Her face was composed, her eyes clear, betraying no sign of nervousness.
The presiding judge continued the formal process. "Gender."
"Female."
"Date of birth."
"October 8, 1982."
"Hometown."
"Antu County, Jilin Province."
"Military résumé."
"In 1999, I was admitted to the Central Military School. In 2001, I was transferred to the Fifth Intelligence Division of the Central Military Command. Later that year, I joined the seventh unit of the Eagle Group for training. On August 27, 2003, I officially joined the Fifth Intelligence Division, working in intelligence analysis and deployment. In December 2003, I was assigned to the Xinjiang Intelligence Bureau to assist with military operations. In June 2004, I was sent abroad to go undercover. I returned in 2007 and have been serving as Deputy Commander of the 11th Command since."
"What did you accomplish during your tenure?"
"Between 2007 and April 2009, I handled 97 assignments, 29 of which I personally managed. These included eleven 5-star missions, nine 4-star missions, five 3-star missions, four 2-star missions, and one 1-star mission."
"Please report on the 2-star missions."
"In August 2007, MI7 provided intelligence, and MI9 and I jointly executed the 'Sea Salt Plan,' obtaining 300 tons of uranium ore. In November 2007, I collaborated with Unit 11 and a foreign agency to execute a trap strategy, capturing the traitorous generals Mika and Mouse and destroying a nuclear reactor in Country F. In April 2008, we neutralized the financial threat posed by Country F by recapturing the central bank's vulnerability code. In June 2008, alongside Agent X, we helped MI9 complete Operation Simo, which led to the successful production of the HK47 schematics."
The presiding judge removed his glasses and asked gravely, "Please elaborate on your relationship with Agent 003."
Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow, her calm demeanor slightly altered. She glanced at the jury officers before responding. "During my training with the seventh unit in 2001, I shared a dormitory with Agent 003, Dr. Huang Minrui. In March 2004, we worked together in Xinjiang on an anti-terrorist mission. We collaborated again in 2008 during Operation Simo."
The presiding judge asked coldly, "Were you comrades, colleagues, or merely acquaintances?"
After a brief pause, Chu Qiao answered, "We were friends."
The jury murmured in surprise. Chu Qiao glanced sharply at them, her gaze silencing their whispers.
"So, you were close with Agent 003. Would you say you had nothing to hide from each other?"
A female judge in her forties, wearing a dark green uniform, pressed further.
Chu Qiao turned her head to meet the judge's gaze. Her voice firm, she replied, "Judge, both Agent 003 and I were highly trained soldiers. We knew what could and could not be said. Your line of questioning disrespects not only our professionalism but also the sacrifices of those who died for the country."
The female judge paled, pursing her lips in silence.
The presiding judge continued, "Chu Qiao, please now give a simple statement regarding your involvement in Operation M1N1 and provide your defense."
Two of the older jurors leaned forward slightly, their attention focused. Chu Qiao bowed her head, pausing before speaking. Finally, she said, "I request to see my superior, or I will only answer to the Supreme People's Court. Until then, I will not make any statement regarding Operation M1N1."
The presiding judge frowned, his tone edged with irritation. "Are you questioning the authority of this military court, which was established by five military regions and staffed by high-ranking legal experts?"
"I am not," Chu Qiao replied calmly. "But without the signature of my superior, or the decryption clearance from Commander Hua, I cannot reveal details of Operation M1N1, as it concerns national security."
The presiding judge pressed further. "Then explain the explosion in the General Affairs Building that resulted in over 20 national hostages being killed. Defend your actions."
"They were not hostages," Chu Qiao responded. "I followed orders that were in full accordance with military regulations. If my superiors sign off, I will give a complete account. Until then, I will not accept any trial."
The trial reached an impasse, and Chu Qiao was escorted out. All judges and generals exited the hall. The strict monitoring devices captured their movements, but a small, flashing red light in the corner of the generals' bench continued to record.
Time was running out.
Chu Qiao sat on the iron bed, head bowed and still. The cell had four walls made of tempered glass. Though she could see everything outside the cell, she had no privacy, as those on the outside could observe her every move. The glass was so rigid that even continuous fire from a German M7KB large-caliber submachine gun for a year would only leave a small dent. To break it, one would need an atomic bomb.
Even though it was silent, as the country's most confidential intelligence officer, she was fully aware of the facility's layout beyond the glass. She felt her pulse, silently calculating the time. It was almost time for the meal delivery, and she knew it would be necessary to act soon.
Sure enough, with a loud clang, a small door at the corner of the glass cell opened. A tray was placed through it and slid slowly into the cell.
Chu Qiao remained still on the bed, but suddenly, a small stone flew out from her hand, accurate and soundless. It hit the buckle of the soldier's wristwatch, producing a soft click as the wristwatch fell to the floor.
The soldier outside the door was startled. He reached out, touched his arm twice, but couldn't immediately retrieve the watch. Hearing the commotion, Chu Qiao turned her head slightly, pretending to frown in confusion. She knew, however, that there was more than one person outside, all carefully monitoring her.
By protocol, prisoners were not supposed to approach the door during mealtime, but Chu Qiao moved closer nonetheless, as if unconsciously. The soldiers outside hesitated, their eyes on her. When one of them still couldn't reach the fallen wristwatch, they exchanged glances and knocked on the door, signaling an agreement.
Chu Qiao jumped lightly from the bed, picked up the watch, and handed it to the nearest soldier through the small opening. She gave him a gentle smile through the tempered glass before returning to her bed to eat her meal.
Outside, everything soon settled back into silence.
Everything had been executed so naturally, without leaving a trace of suspicion.
Back on her bed, Chu Qiao felt the need to relieve herself, so she headed to the small bathroom near the door.
The government, though strict, was somewhat humane in their bathroom design. The bathroom was sectioned off with opaque fiber-plastic glass, ensuring a modicum of privacy. Sitting on the small bench, her head lowered, Chu Qiao knew that someone outside was watching, though they couldn't see into the bathroom. Her time in there never exceeded twenty minutes.
While out of sight, she reached out, brushing her fingers against the transparent film on the soldier's fingertips. The film subtly captured her fingerprints.
Chu Qiao knew that time was running out. She had to act soon.