Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high! Chapter 1068 - 728: Traveler

"Catherine, plot a course to the last known coordinates of the 'Traveler' platform. Engage maximum speed, and steer clear of Bug Race patrol units and any debris fields we encounter."

"Understood, sir." Catherine immediately occupied her station at the navigation and tactical command console, her fingers a blur across the controls.

"Course plotted; estimated time of arrival is 5 hours and 32 minutes. Our full crew complement has increased the ship's mass, resulting in a slight decrease in maneuverability. We'll be transiting through four known Bug Race spore zones and two asteroid debris belts, necessitating advanced navigational strategies."

En route, Bai E convened all twenty team members, alongside the dozens of crew managing the vessel, in the ship's largest tactical planning chamber.

This space, originally a versatile cargo hold, had been repurposed into a temporary war room.

A holographic display presented an intricate schematic of the 'Traveler' platform, the target continental shelf region of Aisera III, and detailed information on recognized Bug Race unit types and their observed patterns of activity.

"Our mission is structured into two primary phases, demanding complete cooperation from every individual."

Bai E stated directly, "The initial phase focuses on securing the 'Traveler' platform, establishing it as our forward operating base and support nexus within the star system. The subsequent phase involves leveraging the 'Traveler' as a launch point for reconnaissance and destructive strikes against the suspected 'main nest prototype' situated beneath the continental shelf of Jade Stone Star."

"Considering our full operational strength and the 'Traveler' platform's limited dimensions, a clear delegation of duties is essential. Specific personnel will undertake core objectives, others will manage platform defense and logistical support, and some may be tasked with providing mobile assistance to different sectors or handling emergent situations."

He surveyed the assembled group, commencing the assignment of specific roles and categorizing the twenty into three principal teams:

The first contingent of 8 members is primarily tasked with the direct defense of the 'Traveler' platform, overseeing system upkeep, conducting intelligence gathering, and maintaining communication with Star Alliance command. This unit also functions as direct support and contingency for the "deep-sea operation" during the second phase.

Catherine is designated as the leader, responsible for overall strategic decisions, particularly concerning the management of significant threats and the precise timing of actions in the second phase.

The second group, also comprising 8 individuals, constitutes the vanguard for high-risk operations.

Their main duty is to actively engage or neutralize approaching Bug Race fleets during the first phase, and to execute the infiltration of Jade Stone Star's abyssal depths for the reconnaissance and destruction of the 'main nest prototype' in the second phase.

Bai E himself will lead this core group personally into the depths during the second phase.

The third team, consisting of 4 members, is assigned to patrol the perimeter of the 'Traveler' platform in outer space, providing early warnings, eliminating scattered Bug Race infiltration units, and offering support to the first and second teams if required, or executing short-range mobile support based on any distress signals received by the 'Traveler'.

Kuang Xin will lead this team, responsible for directing active patrols and rapid response efforts.

"These assignments are not immutable,"

Bai E stressed, "Personnel may require dynamic reallocation based on the evolving battlefield conditions. During the initial phase, should the Bug Race fleet present a substantial threat, both the second and third groups will engage vigorously in defensive actions. If the threat is deemed manageable, the second group will focus on proactively diminishing or repelling the enemy, the third group will maintain vigilance in outer space, and the first group will secure the platform's core."

"Upon stabilization of the 'Traveler' situation, we will promptly assess and initiate the second phase. At that juncture, I will personally lead 4 to 6 key members from the second group, selected for their optimal suitability for underwater environments, for the deep-sea objective. The remaining personnel, including any from the second group not participating in the deep-sea action, will bolster the first and third groups, ensuring the platform's security during our absence and maintaining constant readiness for any response."

He directed his attention specifically to Xiliu and the technology-focused team members, stating, "Xiliu, your responsibility is to complete all briefings on underwater adaptability and emergency signal protocols for the personnel designated for deep-sea action prior to our arrival. Tech team, ensure all mechas, particularly those potentially involved in underwater operations, are equipped with their underwater modules and their life-support systems are in peak operational condition."

"Communication beneath the waves during our second phase will be a challenge. We'll be relying on pre-set signal systems and a rigid schedule. Everyone needs to grasp their responsibilities and the critical timing involved."

Bai E's gaze swept over the twenty members of the team:

"This isn't a game; there are no second chances. We're facing a survival crisis that impacts our entire planet, even our star system. I expect each of you to bring your training focus, your field courage, and your trust in your comrades to the absolute maximum. We are one unit, twenty individuals, twenty mechs, but united by a single objective: complete the mission and return alive, together."

"Are you ready?"

"Always ready!" Twenty voices became one, a powerful and resolute wave reverberating through the 'Thorny Bird's' cabin.

Following the conclusion of the tactical briefing, the team members swiftly went their separate ways, heading to their designated posts.

The mech pilots proceeded to the mech preparation zone for the final checks of their equipment and confirmation of their operational status.

Concurrently, the ship's dedicated technical and logistics crews were diligently engaged in inventory verification and system calibrations.

Catherine, positioned at the bridge, expertly guided the 'Thorny Bird,' maneuvering it through the treacherous expanse of debris and hazardous radiation, much like a stealthy fish navigating the currents.

Yet, precisely as Bai E had foreseen, this Star Domain was already saturated with the formidable power of the Bug Race.

Less than an hour into their journey, the initial assault materialized.

"High-energy biological signals detected! A considerable number... emerging from the obscured sector of the asteroid belt, bearing down on our position from the six o'clock direction!" exclaimed the sensor monitoring technician.