Two days later.
There was still no news of the Kanglie.
Left with no other option, the US could only announce the disappearance of its nuclear submarine to the public, while secretly ordering the exercise to be stopped and the warships to return to their base.
The news of the missing nuclear submarine attracted the attention of all countries and caused an international uproar.
At the strong request of several other major powers, the United States released the last known location of the submarine before it went missing—the South China Sea.
China and several small countries around the South China Sea have lodged protests, demanding that the United States provide more information. They are also concerned that if the USS Cornell nuclear submarine were to have an accident leading to a nuclear leak, it would be another nuclear disaster for the neighboring countries.
The incident caused quite a stir for a while, and various countries sent professional search teams, but to no avail. The whereabouts of the Kon-Lei nuclear submarine remained a mystery.
On the other side...
Aquillio was not surprised to receive the order to terminate the military exercise.
In fact, his behind-the-scenes bosses had already passed the message to him yesterday, but their requirement was that he must blow up China's nuclear fusion reactor.
He was able to rise to a high position in the U.S. military because he had powerful backers, including some of the U.S. energy giants.
With these powerful backers, he also gained the confidence to defy the White House's orders.
Besides, if you offend the White House, at worst you can lose your high-ranking position and just find another place to continue living a carefree life.
However, refusing the orders of the bosses behind the scenes is not a question of whether or not one can remain an official, but a question of life and death!
Thinking of this, he gathered his emotions, feigned anger, and roared at his subordinates in the command room:
"Have those bureaucrats in the White House lost their minds? Such a good opportunity, and they want me to give up the military exercise!"
"Other countries will think we're afraid of the Chinese navy. How will we deter our enemies in the future?"
"No, I can't listen to those cowards. There's a saying in China: 'A general in the field may disobey the emperor's orders.' Now, I'm in command here!"
"Pass on my order: the exercise continues. Have all units prepare."
Besides the orders from his boss, Aquilino was also very confident. Internally, most of the officers in the Pacific Fleet were promoted by him and would not disobey his orders.
Externally, he assembled three carrier battle groups, along with allies, totaling nearly fifty warships, with more than a dozen submarines following underwater.
Such strength is enough to wipe out the entire military force of a medium-sized country, and even against the opposing Chinese navy, it holds an absolute advantage.
Therefore, he decided to act first and inform later, taking advantage of the exercise to blow up China's nuclear fusion reactor.
Aquillillo's order was given less than an hour later.
Inside the US aircraft carrier's office.
"Nick, I never imagined you were one of the president's men! I must have been blind!" Aquilino roared incredulously at his deputy, whom he was lifting up by the arm.
“General Aquilino, you have been relieved of your command on the spot. The White House requires you to return immediately for investigation.” Nick pulled out an order and waved it in front of him.
"Why? I've treated you well, why did you betray me?" Aquililo asked angrily.
“You’re overthinking it. I’m first and foremost an American soldier, and I should be loyal to the White House’s orders,” Nick said with an air of righteous indignation.
He paused, then lowered his voice and said, "The White House has been on guard against this move for a long time. You're a soldier, yet you insist on playing mind games with those career politicians. Do you think you can win?"
Then, before Aquililo could continue speaking, he waved his hand, and the military police behind him rushed forward and escorted him away.
This situation is not unprecedented in the history of the United States. Starting with the dismissal of a once-arrogant five-star general, the US intelligence service has planted countless spies around these generals who are leading troops in the field. It can be said that their every move is under the control of the White House.
The American ships and allied forces participating in the exercise outside are ready to continue the exercise and are eagerly awaiting the next order from their commanders.
Instead of receiving orders, they received news that the commander had been dismissed on the spot and escorted back to his country.
Especially the warships of the small country, they are ready and will definitely provoke a conflict between the United States and China.
Upon receiving the news, they were stunned. One of the bolder soldiers asked, "Captain, are we still going to conduct this exercise?"
"Damn it! The commander's gone, what's the point of this exercise? Send the order to turn around and head home!" the captain said irritably, cursing as he walked away.
The remaining South Korean and Canadian warships scattered like birds and beasts.
The US fleet was in an awkward position. If it withdrew, it would be too embarrassing. After discussing it, the remaining commanders sent out the three smallest warships to continue the exercise, while the rest of the fleet returned to base.
The three selected warships, surrounded and monitored by the Chinese fleet, arrived at the exercise area like three timid young wives, put on a symbolic performance for several hours, and then ran away in a flash!
The day after the withdrawal of the US fleet, the Chinese government also announced the end of the exercise.
Thus, a massive standoff that could have even sparked World War III ended with the US retreating.
Three days after the military exercise ended.
Ye Chen secretly arrived in Haizhou, accompanied by Su Yingrong.
In a pre-arranged high-speed yacht, the two of them secretly arrived at the sea where the Dragon Palace base was located.
Soon, a small submarine surfaced, and Ye Chen led Su Yingrong inside.
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