The expeditionary force began to dominate Southeast Asia by recruiting defeated soldiers

Chapter 655: Yegorov's instigation, Dr. Budd arrives in Southeast Asia

Truman paused, lowered his voice, looked directly at Yegorov, and spoke tentatively:

"What if... I mean what if, we possess a super weapon, one that can wipe a city off the map...

Do you think I should use it?"

Truman revealed the existence of the atomic bomb at this moment, showing his extraordinary trust in Yegorov.

After all, it was the financial group power and strong support from key nodes behind this old friend that enabled him to be nominated as deputy commander and eventually take over the highest power relatively smoothly.

Yegorov understood what was going on, but his face showed a moderate amount of surprise and contemplation.

As a synthetic agent purchased by Zhang Chi through the system and who had gone through untold hardships to infiltrate the upper echelons of the White Eagle, he was absolutely loyal to Zhang Chi, so his answer would naturally tend to favor the interests of Zhang Chi and Nanyang.

He swirled the amber liquid in the cup and spoke slowly:

"Harry, the power of this weapon does sound astonishing.

If used directly, it might quickly end the war."

He changed the subject, his eyes became sharper, and his gray-blue eyes became brighter:

"But, I have a different idea. Maybe... we can fight first, then drop the bomb."

"Oh?"

Truman raised an eyebrow, motioning him to continue.

"What I mean is that before using this ultimate weapon, we should first conduct a large-scale, undisputed troop projection and amphibious landing in Asia, on the west coast of the Pacific, and make a tentative landing on the Japanese mainland."

Yegorov leaned forward and said in a low and persuasive voice:

"This is not just for the Japanese to see, but also for that red bear in the Kremlin to see."

"We need to show him that the White Eagles not only have devastating new weapons, but also the determination and ability to project millions of troops to any corner of the world and fight a tough and arduous land war.

If we only drop bombs but do not demonstrate our resolve in ground combat, the Soviet Union may misjudge that we are afraid of casualties and will only rely on long-range weapons.

Then, they will likely go too far in Europe and the Far East and make all kinds of dangerous attempts."

He took a sip of his wine and concluded:

"Instead of being exhausted by the time we get there, it would be better for us to launch a real landing operation right from the start, combined with subsequent super bombs, to completely eliminate any thought of their taking risks.

Thunder and fire, neither can be without the other, right?"

Yegorov still had some unspoken thoughts in his mind.

As long as the White Eagle Army of one million really lands on Japan's mainland, it will be a huge strategic benefit to Nanyang.

On the one hand, the astronomical logistical demands generated by an expeditionary force of this size, from food, clothing, fuel, to building materials and transportation services, will inevitably generate massive orders.

As the newly industrialized country closest to the Japanese, Nanyang has the geographical advantages and production capacity to reap huge profits.

On the other hand, the brutal landing operation will inevitably cause huge casualties on both sides. Once the blood feud is formed, even if Neon is forced to become a vassal of the White Eagle after the war, the latent anti-White Eagle sentiment among the people will become a permanent rift.

This will greatly divert White Eagle's energy in the Far East and create a more relaxed strategic environment for the future rise of Southeast Asia.

That night, the light in the study remained on until late at night.

Truman and Yegorov drank and talked, exchanging views on the future Asian landscape, potential competition with the Russian bear, and post-war economic reconstruction.

Truman felt that his thoughts became clearer, and his reliance on this close friend deepened.

Little did he know that the seemingly casual conversation tonight was quietly influencing the direction of national policy in his mind, pushing the emerging United States of South Pacific across the Pacific Ocean into a more advantageous position.

-----

The azure waves gently caressed the pier surrounded by coconut trees, and a modified ocean liner slowly approached its berth at Yangon Port.

The gangway was lowered, and a group of men and women, wearing somewhat heavy European suits, with faces tired from the long voyage but eyes that could not hide their vigilance and curiosity, set foot on this humid land under the guidance of the staff of the Nanyang Central Intelligence Department.

Leading the group was an old man wearing glasses, who was none other than Dr. Brunoff Bader, the Third Reich's top large aircraft designer.

He stopped, straightened his wrinkled collar, looked at the pretty female agent of Southeast Asian descent who was in charge of reception, and asked cautiously in Hansel:

"Well, tell me about your rules. When we meet for the first time, should I bow, kneel on one knee, or raise my hand?"

Upon hearing this, the female agent raised her lips slightly, revealing a faint smile, and responded in fluent Hansel:

"Doctor, we don't follow those kinds of formalities here. Just a handshake is enough. It's simple and equal."

Dr. Bud was slightly startled, subconsciously pushed his glasses up, pondered the meaning of the word equality in the Eastern context, and nodded.

The next day, in a heavily guarded reception room surrounded by greenery in the new town on the outskirts of Yangon, Zhang Chi met the group of Hans experts whom he had spent a lot of effort to "invite".

In addition to Dr. Budd, there was also jet engine expert Ferdinand Brand, and several scholars who had made great achievements in the fields of aerodynamics and structural mechanics.

Zhang Chi was wearing a light, Nanyang-style stand-up collar summer dress today, with a gentle smile on his face. His eyes swept over the experts in front of him who would one day develop a large aircraft in Russia that would compete with the Tu-16.

Everyone has a rosy complexion and is not too thin. It seems that the food on the cruise ship is pretty good.

"Everyone, thank you for your hard work on this journey," he said, his tone as casual as if he were chatting casually. "It seems that you have adapted to the weather and food in Southeast Asia?"

Dr. Bud and the others were originally quite nervous, and even felt a bit of humiliation and fear at being transferred as prisoners of the defeated country.

They had imagined the scene of meeting the supreme ruler of Nanyang countless times, perhaps a majestic scrutiny, perhaps a haughty lecture, but they never expected such an approachable opening.

Ferdinand subconsciously straightened his back and quickly replied in Hans:

"Everything is fine. Thank you very much for your hospitality. We are...very satisfied with our current treatment."

"As long as you're satisfied." Zhang Chi nodded without beating around the bush. "Since you're satisfied with the salary, let's get straight to the point. I trust you've all reviewed and signed the ten-year research contract?"

"Yes, we all signed it." Dr. Bud confirmed on behalf of everyone.

Although the contract did not provide much freedom for scientific research and required them to conduct research in accordance with the interests and requirements of Nanyang, the clauses guaranteeing safety and the salary and living security that far exceeded their expectations were important reasons why they finally chose to board the ship.

"Very good." Zhang Chi's smile deepened. "We've already gathered quite a few experts from Hans and Yidai here. You'll all be accommodated in the expert village. I'm sure you'll have a lot in common to talk about."

Although these experts and soldiers were, in a sense, "losers" in World War II.

But they are rare talents and teachers for Nanyang.