Chapter 19#
Divergence#
The base’s terminal lines were severed. Fortunately, it only affected the transmission cables; none of the important data was lost.
After two days of round-the-clock emergency repairs, most of the equipment was finally reconnected. However, the surveillance footage from the密室 where Ning Feng and Qiao Xi had been was accidentally not uploaded. In the end, the matter was settled with both of them being docked half a month’s performance bonus, and Ning Feng, as one of the key holders, had to write an additional report on the incident.
Under normal circumstances, the main planet would not have let this go so easily. Ning Feng would have at least received a formal disciplinary action. But oddly enough, this time he was only required to write a report, and that was the end of it.
Maybe the Zerg threat was so imminent that he managed to dodge a bullet?
After a brief moment of lament over the deducted bonus, Ning Feng didn’t dwell on it and quickly turned his attention to pre-war preparations.
After more than ten rounds of intense discussions over several days, it was finally decided that Yin Beichen would personally lead the Third Division to eradicate the Hive Star.
First, the starships would secure air superiority, then ground forces would be deployed. However, the Zerg had an inherent numerical advantage. Even with heavy firepower like photon cannons, unless the entire planet was destroyed, the Zerg would breed rapidly. Therefore, this battle had to be swift and decisive.
As a result, a serious disagreement arose over the composition of the small team.
The reason was Qu Yan’s insistence on bringing a scientific researcher along.
“Professor Qu, we’re going on a mission, not a field trip,” Ou Jingshan was the first to object.
“We’re facing high-ranking Zerg this time. I must obtain samples,” Qu Yan stood his ground.
“Can’t we just collect the samples for you?”
“High-ranking samples have their own special characteristics. Non-professionals can easily contaminate them.”
“We’ll be careful.”
“No, I’m not comfortable with that.”
“You—”
……
The two sides were deadlocked. The other commanders tried to mediate, but Qu Yan remained as stubborn as a mule.
Ning Feng leaned against the wall, watching the commotion, and secretly stifled a yawn.
Ever since his last bout of Zerg venom, he had been feeling increasingly fatigued. A slightly longer training session left him exhausted. Qu Yan said it was a side effect of the antidote and had adjusted the dosage. It had eased up a bit over the past few days, but he still got tired easily by the end of the day.
Noticing Ou Jingshan’s growing impatience, who was already rolling up his sleeves, Ning Feng cleared his throat and shot a meaningful glance at the heated pair.
The others froze, then instinctively looked toward the back of the star map. There sat Yin Beichen in his command chair, fingers tapping a steady rhythm on the armrest.
Everyone: …
“Are you done discussing?” Yin Beichen’s gaze was deep. When no one spoke, he stood up and looked at Qu Yan. “Is it absolutely necessary for you to operate?”
“Yes,” Qu Yan said firmly.
Yin Beichen lowered his eyelids, pondering for a moment. “Aside from you, you can choose whoever you want from the team.”
Everyone was stunned. The next moment, the command room erupted into chaos.
“Sir, are you joking?” Ou Jingshan’s eyes went wide with anger. “This is the Hive Star, the Hive Star! The entire planet is covered in bugs. Nobody knows what’s going on down there! Sending our brothers to scout is dangerous enough, and now we have to bring along a—cough—researcher?!”
A flicker of surprise crossed Ning Feng’s black eyes, but he remained silent.
Even though he hadn’t voiced much opinion, deep down, he was more anxious than anyone about obtaining samples, since it was crucial for the research department to successfully develop an antidote.
At the same time, Ou Jingshan had a point.
Going deep into enemy territory was inherently uncertain. Adding a researcher with no means of self-defense meant no one knew who could protect whom.
As a commander, Yin Beichen surely understood the dangers of the battlefield and would never risk his soldiers recklessly.
So why did he agree to Qu Yan’s request?
“I will carefully choose the location of the outpost, and I will personally select the team members,” Yin Beichen said unhurriedly. He looked at Qu Yan. “You may go back now.”
Under the resentful glares of the others, Qu Yan remained unfazed, gave Ning Feng a meaningful glance, and left the command room.
Now that only “their own people” were in the room, the commanders didn’t hold back. They spoke all at once, trying to persuade their superior to abandon this absurd idea. Yin Beichen listened quietly until everyone had vented, then slowly spoke.
“This reconnaissance mission is not just about the small team. I will arrange for other combat units to provide full cover.” He paused, then continued, “I hope everyone understands that successfully obtaining samples will greatly accelerate the development of high-level antidotes. This is extremely important for the entire military.”
High-level… antidote?
Ning Feng’s throat tightened, and his heart skipped a beat.
He didn’t want to overthink it, but he couldn’t help suspecting. He discreetly studied Yin Beichen, trying to find some clue on that expressionless face.
Perhaps due to recent busyness, Yin Beichen looked unwell—somewhat tired. Like this morning, when the man went to wake him, he found Yin Beichen still asleep.
Normally, every morning when he opened the door, Yin Beichen would already be washed and ready, just needing to tie his hair ribbon.
Was it stress, causing him to sleep poorly?
…No way, right?
Ou Jingshan was still unconvinced. “But—”
Raising a hand to cut off the unfinished words, Yin Beichen looked at Ning Feng. “You’ve been there in person. Any suggestions?”
Shaking off his irrelevant thoughts, Ning Feng shifted his stance. “The planet’s surface has obvious fissures, indicating a large number of Zerg nests underground. The commanding queen is likely hiding deep inside. Originally, I planned for a three-person team, but now with a non-combatant, we’ll need a five-person team.”
“Who will lead?”
“Sir, I suggest Ou Jingshan.”
Even though the guy was always at odds with him and never gave him a friendly face, there was no denying that, as a battalion commander, Ou Jingshan had rich battlefield experience and could handle emergencies.
Seemingly surprised that the man would recommend him, Ou Jingshan hesitated for a moment, then raised his eyebrows again. “Sir, I still advise against bringing a non-combatant.”
“That is not up for discussion,” Yin Beichen said coldly.
“Sir—”
“If you are not confident in completing the mission, I can assign someone else.”
Ou Jingshan: …
No commander could refuse such a golden opportunity to go deep behind enemy lines and earn merit. Ou Jingshan’s face turned red with frustration, but he couldn’t yell at his superior. In the end, he could only grit his teeth and salute.
“I will complete the mission.”
Yin Beichen gave a faint “mm” and began discussing the arrangements for other combat personnel.
Seeing no other important matters, Ning Feng scratched his cheek and saluted. “Sir, I’ll go to the heavy ordnance factory to check on the battleship preparations.”
Yin Beichen glanced at him and nodded. Only after the man left did he slowly withdraw his gaze.
“Commander Ou, are you going to the satellite where the alien bug cave was discovered tonight?”
“Yes, sir. Why?”
“I need a favor.”
**
Coming out of the command room, Ning Feng immediately saw Qu Yan waiting on the lobby sofa.
“So slow,” Qu Yan said, arms crossed, eyeing him sidelong.
“Well, the meeting ran long. You know how strict the commander is,” Ning Feng grinned, slinging an arm around Qu Yan’s shoulder. “So, why the rush to call me out? What do you want to show me?”
“You’ll find out when we get there.” Without further ado, Qu Yan walked out the main door, leading the way to the heavy factory.
With war imminent, every unit at the base was bustling with pre-battle preparations.
Construction robots scurried between workshops, transporting large materials. Ground crews were dragging fuel hoses toward transport ships, while armed marines maneuvered massive mechs from repair bays to large aircraft.
When they entered the equipment bay, Beardy was already waiting, a data board in his mechanical hand, surrounded by a crowd of engineers.
“Hey, the illustrious Deputy Ning finally has time for an inspection!” As soon as he saw them, he strode over and playfully jabbed Ning Feng in the chest. “I heard last time you went joyriding and actually found an alien bug cave? Only you could pull that off.”
“Cut it out.” Ning Feng laughed and punched him back on the shoulder. “What have you got for me?”
“Same as always, your favorite mech upgrade plan.”
Beardy led them into an equipment assembly room.
The spacious area was filled with parts. In the center sat a device resembling a simulated cockpit. Compared to existing cockpits, it had several extra layers of specially reinforced protective frames, encasing the driver’s compartment tightly.
“This is the latest upgraded mech cockpit.”
After entering commands into the device, a series of fluorescent green data was displayed around the cockpit.
The new generation cockpit, besides the essential terrain mapper, had seat cushions and padding that were double that of any other fighter, providing multiple layers of protection for the pilot. It was also equipped with a circuit-disconnection system that could eject the cockpit in extreme emergencies, guiding it back to a designated assembly point via system navigation.
It featured a high-performance low-bypass spiral engine, providing ample aerial power during flight. The cockpit temperature would be adjusted dynamically during flight.
In the worst-case scenario, even if the pilot died, their body would be kept intact and safely returned to the destination.
Ning Feng: …
If you’re already dead, what’s the point of having a complete corpse? Might as well have enhanced stealth coating.
“Is there anything for the living to enjoy?” he couldn’t help asking.
“Plenty.” Beardy puffed out his chest. “To keep the pilot from getting bored on the journey, I’ve also added surround sound speakers and emergency rations of various flavors—at least a month’s worth of non-repeating meals.”
“All compressed biscuits?”
“Compressed military rations of various flavors.”
“…”
If he had to eat compressed biscuits for a month in there, he might as well be dead.