On one occasion, a foreign war correspondent interviewed a Taiwanese citizen who had just reported troop movements, inquiring, "Why do you betray your own forces?"
The citizen spat on the ground with disdain. "What do you mean, 'my own forces'? I am a proud Chinese; I am no Taiwanese under that scoundrel Chen Bian! Only those idle, well-fed beasts could forget their ancestry!"
With the campaign progressing with unforeseen alacrity, Liu Tao availed himself of a momentary respite from his duties and journeyed to Beijing. His initial intention was to further press Zheng Yu for more classified information regarding Special Task Force 7. However, he was unprepared for the encounter with the "Grandfather Nie" of whom 36 had spoken.
"You must be Commander Liu Tao, of the First Army?" In Zheng Yu's office, a septuagenarian with a full head of snow-white hair regarded Liu Tao with a genial smile.
"Indeed, I am. May I inquire as to your identity?" Liu Tao's courteous demeanor elicited a chuckle from Zheng Yu beside him. Their gazes converged upon him in unison.
To avert an awkward silence, Zheng Yu interjected with an introduction. "Commander, allow me to present Senior Mr. Nie Yun, the esteemed Director of the Chinese Weapons Research and Development Institute. He is the mastermind behind the armaments of Special Task Force 7, and indeed, the very genesis of the unit is attributed to his singular efforts. He is a veritable cornerstone of China's military might."
"Section Chief Zheng flatters me unduly; I am but a superannuated old codger," Nie Yun replied with a smile, settling into the chair behind him.
"Ah, so you are the 'Grandfather Nie' of whom 1 and the others speak? My respects. I extend my gratitude for your contributions to China's future battlefields." Liu Tao seated himself in the adjacent vacant chair. Perhaps influenced by 13's knowledge of Nie Yun as his "creator," a subtle undercurrent of disdain and sarcasm permeated his tone.
"Commander Liu appears to harbor some reservations regarding my person?" Nie Yun inquired, his smile unwavering, akin to a benevolent elder.
Perceiving the other's intent to broach the subject directly, Liu Tao, ever forthright, posed his question without hesitation. "I understand that 13 was cultivated under your direct supervision, within a growth medium?"
"That is correct. We initiated over one thousand fertilized ova, yet only Sample 13 survived the developmental process," Nie Yun responded calmly, without a moment's hesitation. Liu Tao, however, found no such equanimity within himself. Zheng Yu, anticipating his old comrade's volatile temperament, moved to restrain him, but his intervention was too late. Liu Tao's solid fist sent Nie Yun sprawling.
"Are you even human? What do you mean, 'Sample 13'? How could you perpetrate such an act? He is a person! A child who saved my life. Had I been armed, I would have ended your existence then and there!" Liu Tao roared, his voice thick with emotion.
"Do you still perceive the world as it once was?" Nie Yun asked, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, his gaze fixed upon Liu Tao.
"We were compelled by this era, by this very world!" He resettled himself in his chair.
"Compelled? Did someone place a firearm to your temple, demanding the creation of these parentless children?" Liu Tao's anger subsided slightly, and he too resumed his seat.
"Section Chief Zheng, would you be so kind as to hand me the terrestrial globe from your desk?" Nie Yun requested, his gaze directed towards Zheng Yu.
Discerning the Director's intent to elucidate, Zheng Yu inquired, "Should I absent myself?"
Nie Yun accepted the globe with a smile. "There is no need, Section Chief. You are privy to all of China's secrets, your security clearance surpassing even our own. Hence, my candor just now."
"Commander Liu," Nie Yun addressed the still-displeased Liu Tao with gravity, "This discourse will reshape your understanding of the world. Ordinarily, your rank would preclude access to such information, but I wish for you to comprehend your present circumstances. My sole motivation is to ensure the protection of 13; his future dictates China's. I implore you to desist from deploying him on missions such as solitary engagements against American mecha. You must understand that you are currently gambling with the very future of China…"
Liu Tao was rendered speechless by Nie Yun's words. What further secrets did 13 hold?
"Very well, I digress. Let me elucidate the current global landscape."
Nie Yun rotated the globe in his hands, pointing to the United States. "They are the current hegemon. Although 13 inflicted significant damage upon two of their mecha during the assault on our base, their overall strength unequivocally surpasses that of Special Operations. Had the enemy not underestimated 13's capabilities, you likely would not be here to assault me…"
Liu Tao offered an embarrassed smile.
"Next, Russia. Their focus lies in the development of advanced single-operator deep-sea submersibles, akin to underwater mecha, yet considerably larger than their American counterparts, estimated to stand approximately five meters tall. Their offensive capabilities rival those of a fully crewed nuclear submarine."
"The United Kingdom is developing truly stealth aircraft carriers, undetectable not only by radar but also by the naked eye. Rumor has it they employ a cloaking agent capable of perfectly mimicking the surrounding environment's color."
"Germany's new battlefield asset is transformable aircraft, reminiscent of the fighters from the old cartoon 'Macross.' Should their development prove successful, they would likely possess the largest single-operator mecha in existence."
"Japan wields two trump cards. Firstly, their 'traditional expertise' – biological weaponry. Secondly, unmanned mechanical warriors. Requiring only input commands, they execute their directives without fear of self-preservation, arguably the ultimate soldier…"
"All this serves to illustrate that various nations possess advanced weaponry, that the nuclear balance has been disrupted, yet a new equilibrium will be found through these novel armaments," Liu Tao interjected.
"Did I ever suggest that the world would find equilibrium? In this post-nuclear threat era, a true balance is unattainable. While the new weapons of various nations possess considerable destructive potential, none yet possess the capacity to truly overawe their adversaries. Should conflict erupt, no nation is assured victory. Do you perceive any commonality among these weapons?" Nie Yun inquired.
"Are they all trending towards mecha-like development?" Liu Tao pondered aloud.
"That is but one aspect, there are two others. Firstly, all have adopted 'Titan,' a novel metal discovered on Mars, replacing traditional steel. This metal exhibits impact resistance several times greater than any existing steel alloy, while weighing only two-thirds of an equivalent volume of steel. The second point is critical: the deployment of new large-area effect weapons – ion cannons! If employed effectively, a new form of nuclear armament will emerge…" Nie Yun paused, his gaze fixed upon Liu Tao. The latter was visibly shaken.
"Are there weapons more potent than atomic bombs?" Liu Tao managed, his voice trembling slightly.
"Indeed. Research indicates that when a critical mass of ions is concentrated at a single point, it unleashes unimaginable power. The underlying mechanism is still under investigation, but the research direction across all nations is consistent – 'antimatter.' It appears these concentrated ions generate 'antimatter.' Currently, only the electromagnetic ion cannons of the American mecha and the seed ion rounds wielded by our 13 represent the successful weaponization of this technology." Nie Yun's grip tightened on the globe. "Therefore, we no longer inhabit a world amenable to peaceful coexistence, but rather a world vying for supremacy. And we possess the means to contend for that supremacy!"
"Very well, our discussion concludes for today. Tomorrow, I shall accompany you to the Kaohsiung base. I need to meet 13." With these words, Nie Yun rose and moved towards the door.
As he reached the threshold, Liu Tao finally asked, "Is this the right course of action? Have we even considered 13's feelings? Are we not being excessively cruel?"
"He is a tragedy of this era. For the sake of China's ascendance, I am willing to bear the mantle of sin…" He closed the door behind him.
"All for the sake of China's ascendance? Can the life of a single child be sacrificed for the nation's gain? Zheng Yu, are we doing the right thing?"
Zheng Yu placed a comforting hand on Liu Tao's shoulder. "Right and wrong are judgments for posterity. We must simply fulfill our designated roles…"
March 1, 2011, Beijing Military Airfield. A military transport aircraft carried Liu Tao and Nie Yun towards the Kaohsiung base in Taiwan.
Simultaneously, within Zheng Yu's office…
"Are you the Section Chief of the Confidential Department?" A youthful voice interrupted Zheng Yu, who was engrossed in reviewing documents.
"Little friend, whose child are you? I have stated that family members are not permitted in the workplace. Once I locate your parents, I shall have a stern word with them!" He realized that the speaker was a girl of approximately twelve years, her jet-black hair framing an angelic face of remarkable charm.
"Uncle, may I ask you a question?" the little girl inquired, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Zheng Yu felt a peculiar flutter in his chest. He had never imagined his heart would quicken for such a young child. If Liu Tao were to learn of this, he would never cease his teasing!
Zheng Yu was lost in his own thoughts.
"Uncle, is it alright?" the little girl repeated her question.
"Ah? Oh, yes, of course. If Uncle can assist you, he certainly will." Zheng Yu smiled at her.
"Really? Baby is so happy! Sprite, are you happy too?" the girl giggled, turning to address the space behind Zheng Yu.
A prickle of unease ran down Zheng Yu's spine. He turned his head, and his mind went blank with astonishment…
A black mecha, easily two meters in height, stood silently behind Zheng Yu, its glowing red eyes fixed intently upon him.
"Who are you?" Zheng Yu asked, turning back to face the girl, his voice stern.
"Uncle, it is Baby's turn to ask questions!" the girl replied with a smile, settling into the chair previously occupied by Nie Yun.
"You bring a mecha; you must be affiliated with 'God's Punishment'?" Zheng Yu's expression remained impassive, years of training dictating his response to the present situation.
"Clever Uncle. Baby has but one query: where is 13's data?" the girl asked, smoothing the creases in her skirt, adopting the demeanor of a miniature lady.
"Do you believe Uncle will divulge that information?"
"Why do some individuals in this world always insist on futile resistance? Even if you do not speak, Baby can simply search and find it. Furthermore, Baby dislikes bloodshed. If you cooperate, you may avoid leaving this world." The little girl adopted a perplexed expression.
"You are too young to understand. Sometimes, even when resistance is futile, it is a necessary act, a testament to one's loyalty to their nation…" Zheng Yu replied with a serene smile.
"Uncle is a brave person." The girl continued to smooth her skirt. "However, Baby dislikes brave enemies. Sprite, Baby does not wish to see blood, nor hear Uncle's voice any longer."
Zheng Yu closed his eyes, his final thought, "Will Liu Tao remember to care for my goldfish? I hope he doesn't accidentally kill them again…"
The black mecha swiftly snapped Zheng Yu's neck.
March 1, 2011, Section Chief Zheng Yu of the Central Political Department's Confidential Section died in the line of duty…