[Chapter 163: Return to the Farm, Progress at the Base]
After this, Linton decided to put everything else aside for a while and focused on playing with Matsushita Sukāto, Izumi Sakai, and Noriko Sakai at the Four Seasons Hotel.
After nonstop matches for two days, thanks to Izumi and Noriko's high popularity, Linton surprisingly leveled up to Stage 2, Radiant Core, Level 7.
Feeling happy, Linton didn't hesitate to use his Essence to empower them, though he felt a bit guilty. He thought staying at the hotel every day wasn't ideal or fair to the three ladies. But going out easily might attract paparazzi.
After consideration, he decided to take them to his farm for a few days' vacation, and he would also check on the military base progress.
"Honey, how about I take you all out for a vacation?"
"Great! Where are we going?" Matsushita Sukāto was the most enthusiastic; Izumi and Noriko looked on with anticipation.
"I bought a farm in Montana recently. The scenery there is beautiful and the air fresh. We can spend a few days there without worrying about paparazzi."
"Perfect, I want to go, muah," Sukāto exclaimed happily and gave him a kiss.
"I want to go too," Izumi cheerfully supported.
"Wherever Linton goes, I go," Noriko said obediently.
...
Before going to the farm, Linton called Sophie Marceau and Cristiana Reali, who were staying at home, to reassure them.
"Sophie, are you with Cristiana?"
"I have some business and need to be away with them for a few days."
"Nothing serious, you don't need to worry."
"I'll be back in about a week."
"Just stay home and work on the script."
---
Accompanied by Danny, Carter, and assistant Meena, Linton chartered a business plane with Matsushita Sukāto, Izumi Sakai, and Noriko Sakai to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Montana.
They took a Mercedes SUV and a business van that Meena arranged in advance and headed to Anderson Farm in Park County.
The farm had finished all planting; barley and sugar beets had already sprouted, filling the vast fields with lush greenery.
Farm manager Tuck had already refreshed the villa upon Linton's notice.
...
The three ladies were deeply impressed by the vast size and beautiful scenery of the farm -- their excitement showed how much Linton cared for them.
After setting down their luggage, Linton planned to show them nearby scenery, but they were already overwhelmed with emotion. Sukāto even threw herself into his arms and planted a kiss, with the others hugging him from both sides.
He decided to postpone the tour and enjoy their time together.
The afternoon plans were canceled; the four of them stayed in their rooms except for meals.
It wasn't until the next morning that they finally went out to explore the farm.
...
Wide open fields, thriving crops, the rushing Montana River, tranquil and beautiful lakes, and grazing cattle and sheep were everywhere.
Their happy laughter and footprints left memories across the farm.
They spent their days leisurely enjoying the nature and nights passionately indulging in love, living comfortably and fulfillingly.
...
Apart from vacationing with the three ladies, Linton did not forget to inspect the Thunder Base.
On the third night, after their first round of passion, Linton told them, "Honey, I have some important work tomorrow during the day and won't be able to accompany you. Meena and Carter will take you around the farm. You might want to consider boating or swimming at the lake."
"Dear, your work is priority. Don't worry about us," Sukāto said lovingly, with the other two nodding in agreement.
"Thank you for understanding. Looks like I owe you all twice the reward."
"We're looking forward to it."
The next round of passion began...
---
The next morning, after breakfast, Linton let Meena and Carter accompany the three ladies to continue exploring the farm, while he and Danny went to inspect Thunder Base.
With ample funding, after about a month of construction, Thunder Base had taken shape.
The 1000-acre base was surrounded by a two-meter-high fence. A private road connected the base to the interstate highway 10 kilometers away, planned to be upgraded to a dual carriageway.
A temporary barracks was completed for transitional use during construction, with a row of high-standard barracks nearby still under construction.
Various training grounds were nearing completion: flat shooting ranges, mountain shooting ranges, and physical fitness training areas. Training equipment had all arrived.
David and others also planned several complex tactical training areas based on the hilly terrain, but those projects were still under development.
...
Recruitment went smoothly, with over 60 personnel onboard already -- including white, black, male and female members -- all with U.S. special forces experience.
Recruitment continued. David planned to reach 120 members for the first phase, with an evaluation after six months to eliminate underperformers.
Linton strongly agreed; the military must maintain high-intensity training and a sense of urgency. Combat readiness was the sole standard, with loyalty as a prerequisite.
He individually interviewed all new recruits, using Soul Induction to test them.
He wanted to avoid infiltrators, spies, or dangerous anti-social elements.
Luckily, maybe because Linton wasn't yet prominent, no unusual members were discovered.
...
With certification as a security company, procuring various training weapons went smoothly and deliveries were ongoing.
The U.S. was quite lax about security company weapon controls.
Various pistols, rifles, machine guns, including powerful M2 and M1919A4 heavy machine guns, and sniper rifles were all available for purchase.
To his surprise, even rocket-propelled grenade launchers and armored vehicles could be bought.
Arms dealers spared no effort courting officials in Washington, seemingly unconcerned about triggering domestic conflicts.
"That's nothing. I heard that with enough money, even Apache attack helicopters, cruise missiles, and howitzers can be bought," Danny revealed.
"Aren't those tightly controlled? Who would dare sell them?"
"Not through official channels. They have ways. For instance, in a military training or war, they can exaggerate weapon losses."
"Like plane crashes due to pilot errors, howitzers mistakenly fired, or actual missile usage of five units recorded as 50 on waste sheets? These scrapped weapons can be sold off."
"Man, sounds bold, playing such a big game."
"Yeah, the Pentagon folks are the boldest. They're the top dogs, so no one dares to stop them."
"No wonder conflict zones in the Middle East and Africa abound with advanced weapons, the source is here?"
"Not only abroad; many established domestic families, big security firms, and military contractors are major buyers."
"Domestically? Really? Aren't they afraid of investigation?"
"Who would investigate? And who'd dare? With such a huge profit chain, before they reach the real target, they'd probably get assassinated with multiple shots. As long as you don't cause major damage domestically, no one dares to check."
"How do you know all this?" Linton looked at Danny with newfound respect.
"Boss, don't forget I served over 15 years in Delta Force. Some comrades remain in the military, some in high positions, part of this chain."
"Good. Once the base is fully operational, when our warriors go as mercenaries to Africa or the Middle East, maybe we can think about acquiring some of these super weapons."
*****
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