[Chapter 263: Overseas Military Force Arrangements]
On January 26, the 66th Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon was held at the Regency Hotel in Beverly Hills. The Age of Innocence received five Oscar nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Winona Ryder. What Linton didn't expect was that Speed was also nominated for three Oscars, for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, and Best Editing.
According to Oscar rules, once nominations were announced, all public relations activities must stop. So Winona found herself with free time and moved into Linton Manor.
---
On January 28, Linton took Catherine, Jennifer, Winona, his assistant Meena, and two bodyguards, Danny and Carter, along with an iron birch-made sword and four tons of quartz crystals, flying directly to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Montana aboard a business charter jet.
The temperature in Montana was extremely low, about 14 degrees Fahrenheit, with snowflakes drifting in the sky. This made the group from warm California feel very uncomfortable. Except for Linton, everyone pulled out thick winter coats from their luggage and put them on.
As usual, David drove a sedan and two Hummers to pick them up. On the way back to the farm, the fields on both sides were covered in frost and snow, creating a unique kind of beauty.
...
It took an hour and a half to finally reach the farm. The ground was blanketed with thick snow, and everything was white, evoking an inexplicable awe. Having lived in the South all their lives, everyone cheered at the rare sight.
Especially for Catherine, Jennifer, and Cameron, visiting the farm for the first time, the vastness and breathtaking scenery stunned them. But after the initial shock, the three eagerly started throwing snowballs at Linton.
...
Following Linton's instructions, the farm manager Tuck Ilonka quickly organized people to redecorate the villa, arranged four staff, and prepared sufficient daily necessities. The fireplace in the villa had been lit early, making the room as warm as spring.
After settling in, Linton wanted to show them around the nearby scenery to experience the snowy farm setting. Unexpectedly, after arriving at the farm, the three realized this was Linton's family estate, and strange feelings stirred within them. Once inside the villa, emotions overwhelmed them, their eyes shimmering with excitement.
The sweet Jennifer threw herself into his arms for a tender kiss. Catherine and Winona embraced him from both sides. Forget formalities -- they quickly got intimate, a joyful chorus of laughter filling the room. Afternoon plans were ruined; aside from eating, the four did not leave the villa.
...
It wasn't until the next morning that everyone had time to explore the farm. Winter farming wasn't very exciting. Though the endless snow looked beautiful at first, staring too long was visually tiring. Moving on snow was inconvenient, and the cold made it all the less enjoyable.
Besides snowball fights, there was little entertainment, and soon the three lost interest. "Forget it," they said, "Let's head back to the villa. It's more fun to party in a room as warm as spring."
It was another wonderful, happy day.
Linton relaxed fully and, with help from the three women, silently honed the Starlight Spark energy in his body, preparing to create the stabilization serum.
---
Besides accompanying the women, Linton naturally attended to inspecting the Thunder Base. After breakfast the next morning, Linton asked Meena and Carter to take the women back to the farm to continue their play and rest. He and Danny went to inspect the Thunder Base.
Though also snow-covered, the base's training wasn't postponed. David's military discipline was strict. The snow had been cleared from all training grounds. Soldiers trained vigorously in many areas: shooting ranges, tactical grounds, and physical training fields.
In the mountain shooting range, two teams took advantage of the harsh weather and complex terrain to conduct military drills. David explained that tougher environments sharpen soldiers' will and improve combat effectiveness, potentially increasing survival chances during battle.
Linton was very satisfied with David's insights and the training's progress.
The Thunder Guards unit had begun forming in May of last year, officially established in September. More than four months had passed, and it was time to set up an overseas base.
As his wealth grew and business expanded, Linton understood the society more deeply. Public security was worsening, with rampant gangs and unscrupulous actions by high-level capital groups and powerful figures, showing no moral limits.
Moreover, shooting incidents occurred frequently. Even among past presidents, four had died and five had been injured. It felt unsafe.
As Linton's power advanced, especially after reaching Celestial Presence, he was immune to ordinary firearms, including high-powered thermal weapons like missiles and howitzers. He was unafraid, but how about his many women, future descendants, career, and family? He couldn't protect them all alone.
Conflicts with other big players or corporations were inevitable as his business grew. He couldn't always personally fight. A strong military force was essential to truly protect his family.
Only with strong armed security forces at home and abroad could real deterrents be established, ensuring family safety and resolving troubles.
Looking at America's wealthiest families, each maintained powerful armed forces both domestically and internationally.
...
"David, what do you think about the next step for our team?"
David laid out a map of Africa. "Boss, some time ago, Sandy led 10 people to Damakin, Ethiopia. Although Ethiopia's political situation is relatively stable, ethnic conflicts often flare up. It's close to the Sudan border, where wars rage year-round. So it's ideal for trials."
"Ethiopia and Sudan -- yes, a fitting place. Any specific plans?"
"We plan to build a base in Damakin first. Tribes there are divided, and land can be bought easily with the right payment. When the weather warms, we will hand the area temporarily to Hayden. I'll lead 40 people to truly establish the base, then expand outward. We'll find opportunities to intervene in Sudan's war, acquire resources, and if necessary fight as mercenaries, using this to train our team."
"Yes, that base must be prepared for long-term use. Construction and security standards should be appropriately enhanced. It should become a true overseas base for the Thunder Guards."
"Understood. To avoid political risks, I suggest we rename the overseas team so it isn't openly linked to you."
"Good. The domestic team will remain the Thunder Team; the African team will be the Hurricane Mercenaries."
"Thunder Guards and Hurricane Mercenaries -- that's great. Thanks for the name, boss."
"What about weapons supply?"
"Weapons will be procured through the black market. Danny and I have contacts dealing in black market weapons. With money, most armaments can be bought."
"Here's a Swiss bank secret overseas account with your first overseas funds -- 10 million US dollars," Linton handed over a note.
"Thank you, boss. I have another suggestion."
"Go ahead."
"I suggest recruiting many overseas troops in the future. There are excellent fighters globally -- Germans, Gurkhas, Russians, and people from Southeast Asia, etc. We can recruit young people with clean records and train them into competent soldiers or bodyguards within six months, elite fighters within two to three years. These troops fight bravely, demand lower salaries, and become loyal to you and your family after long training."
"Excellent idea. Proceed with it. I'll offer a special policy: any foreign soldier who significantly contributes to the base and family will get US permanent residency, with immigration quotas for two family members, plus help with green cards, employment, and education for their children.
For any foreign soldier who dies fighting, we'll aid their families -- parents, spouse, children -- with immigration and support services."
"Thank you so much, boss. With this policy, Hurricane Mercenaries will become a loyal, unbeatable team."
*****
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