21st century Goguryeo

Chapter 63

December 3, 2019, 19:00

Choongbook Chungju-si Bongmu Mountain, Olympus base basement 17th floor Conference Room

The President had his dinner after the presentation, then headed to Director Oh Young-il’s conference room to be briefed about the various weaponry being produced at ADD.

The heads and employees of each department at Olympus base and the ADD researchers all stood up when the President entered. The President shook hands with each individual in the room before being taking the center seat.

“We will now begin the briefing on the status of the weaponry being produced at Olympus base,” announced the moderator.

Dr. Baek Nam-il stood from his seat and headed to the screen and podium. He spoke.

“We will start with the 7th-floor production line. The first item is the K-3 White Tiger tank being manufactured by Hyunwoong Lotem Defense Industries. White Tiger production started in October with 10 units, and now we have 210 units in total. These tanks are planned to be deployed to the Army’s armored forces.”

“One moment.”

The President raised his hand and halted the briefing.

“Yes, sir,” Dr. Baek Nam-il acknowledged.

“What is the base’s monthly production capacity during wartime or under other special circumstances?” asked the President.

“If we operate at full capacity, then we can increase production to 40 units per month,” replied Dr. Baek.

“Understood. Please include the maximum production capacities in the presentation from now on,” said the President. action

“Certainly, sir. The second project is applying next-generation technology to the K-2 Black Panther tanks that already have been deployed in the field. We are at a refurbish rate of 10 units per month and have completed 140 units in total. This process can also be increased to 20 units per month under maximum production. The third item on the docket is the K-23 Hyun-mu armored vehicle from Hanho Defense Industries,” Dr. Baek continued.

A 3D image and testing footage of the K-23P Hyun-mu armored vehicle was shown on the screen.

“K-23P Hyun-mu is being produced at 50 units per month and 550 units have been completed in total. These will also be deployed to the armored forces along with the K-3 White Tiger tanks at the start of next year. Also under maximum production, we can manufacture 50 units per month.”

When the President signaled to Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo, he leaned toward the President and listened.

“Minister Kang, to improve our troop’s survival chances, please have all the related equipment be produced at maximum capacity in order to deploy them in the field as soon as possible,” noted the President.

“Understood, sir,” answered Minister Kang.

Dr. Baek Nam-il’s briefing continued.

“Up next is the 8th-floor manufacturing line. The 8th floor produces K-9A1 Lightning 15mm self-propelled artillery made by Sam-il Tech One Defense Industries. It has a monthly production capacity of 20 units and 45 units per month under maximum production. Currently, we have produced 240 units in total. Secondly, we have the Korean MLRS K271 Shingijun. Production for the launch tubes are at 55 units per month and can be increased to 120 in total. We already have 450 units mounted on vehicles, and these are currently being deployed in each Corps along with the K-9A1. The plasma bullets and cluster bullets are being produced at 1,000 rounds and 500 rounds per month and can be increased to 3,500 and 2,200 rounds per month in total. The grand total of produced ammunition is 14,000 rounds and 7,000 rounds.”

“Minister Kang, what is the percentage of the stored munitions in relation to the newly produced ones?” the President asked.

Minister Kang consulted with the logistics commander sitting behind him before giving a reply to the President, then he answered.

“Looking at the produced munitions currently, we are at 5% per each ammo type,” Minister Kang answered.

“At 5%? That is too low. Please increase the munition production as much as possible. Have the cut off to be 200% more than the standard wartime preparation amounts.”

“Yes, sir. We will have it done,” replied Minister Kang.

“The 9th-floor manufacturing is producing the K-1000 Haetae by WooJin Techlion Industries at 35 units per month and has completed production of 430 units. Also, the rate of production can be increased to up to 70 units per month. After the training for the operation is completed, we will begin to deploy these to the Western GOP border divisions by June of next year.”

“Next is . . .”

The defense industries and ADD manufacturing lines at the Olympus base increased production of all equipment closely related to the survival of the armed forces under the President’s orders. In particular, the personal protective gear of each soldier, such as the protective suits, bulletproof helmets, new uniforms, bulletproof vests, and boots production, was increased threefold. Also under the order of securing reserve ammunition supply, all produced munitions were sent to each ammunition warehouse.

* * *

December 5, 2019, 10:00

Seoul Jongro-ku Blue House President’s office

“We have planned for you to visit Pyeongyang on February 12 of next year for the South-North Representatives staff meeting, sir. The requests related to this meeting have all been sent to Secretary Kim Young-chul.”

The Minister of Unification Oh Seung-tae spoke as if to report on what will happen with North Korea next.

“Great work, Minister Oh. We must use this opportunity well.”

“Mr. President, it’s not too late. How about I meet with Kim Yeo-jung first . . . ,” suggested Minister Oh.

“Minister Oh, are you going to speak of matters that we are already done discussing? There is only one opportunity. In this situation, where we cannot trust anyone, the most certain way is for me to speak with Kim Yeo-jung myself. If we don’t handle this correctly, who knows what will happen when Lee Byung-chul catches wind of our actions?” answered the President.

Minister Oh Seung-tae, who could not come up with a rebuttal, scratched his head and fell silent.

“On a different note, how is the second North Korean aid policy coming along?” asked the President.

“Ah, yes the related departments are all formulating different policies. We will give you an official report as soon as we have everything organized, but we believe North Korea would be interested in a highway that connects Paju to Gae-sung, Pyeongyang, and Shinuiju as well,” answered Minister Oh.

“Ha ha ha, right? What did I say? From North Korea’s perspective, they get a free road built, and they can charge for tolls as well. Wouldn’t this be killing two birds with one stone? For us, it will secure a land route to China and that can reduce cost and time, so this will benefit all of us,” the President said with confidence.

Minister Oh Seung-tae, who wore a serious face, suddenly smiled brightly at the President’s words and replied.

“Your insight on matters is very keen, Mr. President.”

“My, looking at your expression I must have boasted too much.”

Chief Secretary Na Seung-tae, who was only listening to the conversation, began to laugh.

* * *

December 10, 2019, 19:00

North Korea Pyeongyang State Security Department Director’s office

“You are certain?”

Vice-Chairman Lee Byung-chul glared at Director Kim Won-heung and asked to make sure of the reports he made.

“I am certain. The Foreign Operations unit took care of that bitch’s body. There is no need to worry,” answered Director Kim.

Lee Byung-chul, however, looked doubtful.

“I will trust you, Director Kim, for your sake,” Vice-Chairman Lee said.

Director Kim Heung-won had not shown it, but he was sweating profusely all over. A month ago, he got the report from Foreign Operation’s unit leader Oh Ji-wan that they failed in taking out Kim Soon-hee, but he could not truthfully report that to Vice-Chairman Lee Byung-chul. Had he reported truthfully, then he would be charged with treason, and he and his entire family would be sent to internment camps and shot without a trial. Therefore, Kim Heung-won had ordered Oh Ji-wan to procure a woman’s body, report it as Kim Soon-hee, and have it taken care of. He showed photographs of the body’s disfigured face and falsely reported it as the matter being taken care of.

“Why would I make a false report?” said Director Kim.

Lee Byung-chul, who finally dismissed his suspicion, took a look at all the attendees, who could be considered as the true power of North Korean politics. He changed the subject.

“Soon, the event we prepared for that I talked about will begin. When it does, the Korean peninsula will be shaken up again, and we don’t have much time left. So I emphasize again, keep your people under a tight leash and be prepared,” said Lee Byung-chul.

What Lee Byung-chul was preparing for was the terrorist bombing of the Fifth South-North Representatives staff meeting planned on February 12, 2020. The final plan was to finally eradicate the Kim dynasty’s era and welcome a new one with Lee Byung-chul at the helm.

Last 2015, when Kim Jong-un changed the policy to be peaceful toward South Korea, the chance came for Lee Byung-chul, who was dissatisfied with this new policy. He had obtained a large sum of money from an unknown third party, and succeeded in the Pyeongyang terrorist attack. Afterward, Lee Byung-chul sided with Kim Yeo-jung and executed all those that opposed him and filled the seats with his allies. Since all of his plans were going smoothly, he increased his allies and was about to start a coup when the peninsula would be in chaos from his final plan.

“We will follow you always, Comrade Vice-Chairman. Put your faith in us,” Director Park Young-sik answered.

Director Park Young-sik from the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces bowed his head and spoke in a determined tone.

“Yes, yes, all my comrades here, I will never forget this. Now let’s all go and grab a drink,” the Vice-Chairman concluded then stood from his chair.

* * *

December 13, 2019, 19:00

Seoul Kangnam-ku NIS Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 Office

The NIS Foreign Intelligence Department’s atmosphere was chaotic because of the death of Team Leader Ji Dong-chul, Manager Kim Hyun-jun, and three other agents on duty. Unit 1 now only had Chief Park Gi-oong and agent Suh Dong-gyu left. Agent Suh Dong-gyu was transferred to work at unit 2.

All agents who participated in the Kim Soon-hee mission were specially promoted by a rank. Chief Youn Tae-jin was also promoted to assistant manager.

Assistant Manager Youn Tae-jin used his smartphone for a while on the black can at the Kyungbu Highway. He spoke to agent Suh Dong-gyu as if he was bored.

“Dong-gyu, why isn’t Park Gi-oong coming? Is he still recovering from his injuries?” asked Youn Tae-jin.

“He seems to have made a full recovery. He said he had some personal business to take care of in China and took a monthlong leave. He will be back next week or so,” Suh Dong-gyu replied.

“Why did he take a monthlong leave in China when he could just rest here in Korea?”

“I am not sure, Assistant Manager Youn, sir,” answered Suh Dong-gyu.

“When he comes back, we should get drunk on Soju. You should join us,” said Youn Tae-jin.

“Thank you, sir,” replied Suh Dong-gyu.

* * *

December 14, 2019, 14:00

North Korea, Pyeong Yang-si Vice-Chairman Lee Byung-chul’s living quarters

“We got the money.” Lee Byung-chul could be heard speaking.

– No need to have concerns on the matter you’re so worried about. The plan will proceed soon, so you can look forward to it.

“Of course. Of course.”

– I know that well. Let’s get into contact next time.

Vice-Chairman Lee Byung-chul finished his phone call with the unknown person and then pulled out a Cuban cigar. He placed it in his mouth as he put up his feet on the desk.

“Wait a little longer, you bastards. North Korea is now mine!”