The smile on the warlord representative's face faded somewhat. Of course, he was unwilling. Those conditions would weaken his own power.

"The General values long-term cooperation," the representative vaguely remarked. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"That's good," Mendoza gestured for his assistant to pass over a document, "This is the draft of our next phase of cooperation. It includes setting up a local ore processing plant, reducing transportation costs, and increasing local employment. The profit-sharing ratio can be negotiated. But the premise is exclusivity. We do not want to see equipment from British or American companies appearing in adjacent mining areas."

"Exclusivity..." the representative pondered.

"Additionally," Mendoza lowered his voice, "We heard the General has had some... 'frictions' in the border area recently. We can provide some 'non-lethal' security equipment and technical support to help maintain the stability around the mining area. For free."

This was a more blatant temptation, offering quasi-military support to consolidate the warlord's rule in exchange for a mineral monopoly.

The representative's eyes lit up, "I need to consult with the General."

"Please do. But we must leave for Zambia tomorrow," Mendoza checked his watch, speaking calmly, "Opportunity waits for no one. Many have their eyes on the Congo's minerals. The British may offer more money, but they can't offer safety and the future. We... can."

...

United States, Washington D.C., near the Lincoln Memorial, at a certain safe house.

There were no windows in the room, the lighting was stark. CIA Deputy Director of Operations Malcolm Turner stared at the three people before him: one was a new liaison from MI6 (a veteran agent from the Middle East station), another was an Africa expert from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the third was a "private military company" executive just back from the Balkans.

"The fire in the Balkans has been lit, but it's not burning fiercely enough," Turner's voice was low, "The Serb Republic got the equipment, but the Europeans reacted faster than expected, sanctions followed immediately, and diplomatic channels haven't been entirely closed. The Mexicans were very careful, leaving no direct evidence. We need to redirect the fire elsewhere, to divert attention and create more opportunities to 'inherit' the British legacy."

The MI6 liaison, a weary-looking middle-aged man, spoke up, "Our people in West Africa report that the Mexican mining company is deeply engaging with local warlords in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, targeting cobalt and lithium. They're replicating the Scotland model: providing arms and infrastructure in exchange for exclusive resources. British mining groups have traditional interests there, but London now... lacks the ability to support."

"Africa." Turner tapped the map with his finger, "A good place. Chaotic, resource-rich, Europe's traditional backyard. If we support the remnants of British commercial interests (or claim to support them) to counter Mexican infiltration, we can both restrain Mexico and earn favors from Europeans, while actually controlling some resource nodes."

The DIA expert frowned, "Direct military intervention is high-risk. But we can provide intelligence, a small number of special advisers, and... 'security services' through third-party 'private companies'. The key is to find suitable local agents, preferably linked to Britain's historical ties."

"Former British colonies have plenty of local forces discontented with London but resisting new colonizers," the MI6 liaison said, "We can incite them. For example, in the Niger Delta or Northern Kenya. Create some attacks 'against British legacy' and then blame 'Mexican-backed radical groups.' Stir the waters, turning Mexico's image in Africa from 'development partners' to 'troublemakers.'"

The private military company executive grinned, a scar on his face, "We are familiar with this kind of work. Personnel, equipment, false flag operations. But it's not cheap and requires top-level political cover."

"We will cover the costs and political cover," Turner looked at him, "How quickly can your team deploy?"

"West Africa? Two weeks. Requires logistics support and local intelligence coordination."

"Consider it done," Turner then looked at the MI6 liaison, "Your network in Africa, fully cooperate. Remember, the goal is not to win a war, but to create ongoing low-intensity chaos, trapping the Mexicans, consuming their resources and diplomatic capital. At the same time, slightly divert European attention from the Balkans."

He stood up and walked to a massive world map, his eyes sweeping over Africa, the Balkans, and the North Sea.

"The British have fallen, but the game isn't over. The board has just changed, and there are more players. We must ensure that on this new board, the United States remains one of the dealers, even if we have to play by proxy."

...

Berlin, Germany.

Prime Minister Kohl sat alone in his office, two reports spread out on the table. One was from the Federal Intelligence Agency, providing a detailed analysis of Mexico's strategic intentions behind its actions in the Balkans, Africa, and even the North Sea. The other was a private letter from President of France, Jiang Zemin, urgently calling for Germany to "demonstrate stronger European leadership" to jointly counter the "external forces dividing Europe."

Kohl rubbed his temples. Leadership? With what to lead? Germany's economic engine is slowing down, the costs of East Germany's integration are still draining finances, and the public is increasingly resentful of more "European obligations." France wants to drag Germany into a hard stance, but the price could be the collapse of the euro and social unrest.

The Mexicans are cunning. They don't directly challenge the European Continent, but instead create crises on the fringes (the Balkans, the British Isles), enticing European companies with technology and capital to divide them and using resource contracts to win over former colonies. This is a form of "soft enclosure" and "internal corrosion."