Chapter 98 Seven Months
Lu Mingfei looked at the TV in the corner of the ward with a confused look. The news was playing on the screen, and the announcer was reporting in a hurried tone about the recent space elevator crash and the messy scene.
"Brother, you are really embarrassed."
He turned his head and saw Lu Mingze sitting on the chair beside the bed, looking at him with a smile. The boy was wearing a neat little suit, so tidy that he didn't seem to belong to this chaotic world.
Lu Mingfei glanced around and found that the nurse was still busy organizing the instruments and the doctor was looking down at the records. They did not notice the boy who suddenly appeared. Everyone in the ward ignored Lu Mingze's presence.
"You're awake. I thought you were dead or had gone back." Lu Mingfei said to Lu Mingze. Lu Mingze hadn't spoken since he sent him here. He thought Lu Mingze had left just like that.
Lu Mingze narrowed his eyes, shook his head slightly, and sighed softly, as if he was helpless about Lu Mingfei's misunderstanding: "Alas, my strength has only recovered a little bit. I shouldn't have woken up so early, but I have to wake up. If I don't wake up, your identity will be exposed."
"Brother, your blood is different from others. If discovered by others, you will become a precious guinea pig. I woke up this time just to solve this problem for you." As he spoke, Lu Mingze took out a test tube from his clothes. The glass surface reflected the faint light in the ward. It was a blood sample that a nurse had just drawn from Lu Mingfei.
“So brother, be careful next time.” After Lu Mingze finished speaking, he put the test tube into his sleeve and disappeared without a trace, as if he had never appeared.
Lu Mingfei looked at the test tube in Lu Mingze's hand without saying anything. He knew what Lu Mingze meant.
"What's wrong, brother? Are you still immersed in the falling of the space station? Alas... Brother, even if you shoot down all those suicide drones, the space station will still fall. Someone has controlled a military satellite of America. If the drone fails, he will launch the tactical missiles on the satellite." Lu Mingze sighed as he looked at Lu Mingfei.
"Why did they want to destroy the space station?" Lu Mingfei finally spoke, his voice low and hoarse, like a question that had been suppressed for a long time.
Lu Mingze shrugged lightly, crossed his hands on his legs, like a chatty little gentleman: "This question is very complicated. Although this attack was carried out by the Digital Faction, in fact, many people support this action. To be precise, they want to destroy the Ark Project. Previously, a hacker broke the news that those who participate in the Ark Project need assets of 30 million US dollars. If the Ark Project succeeds, only a very small number of people can survive."
"Although the Mountain Moving Plan seems a bit far-fetched, it at least gives people hope. Moreover, the failure of the Ark Plan can also help the Digital Plan gain more support. There are only so many resources in total. No matter what, if we kill the most unpopular plan, other plans will get more resources."
Lu Mingze's eyes slowly turned to the corner of the ward, where there was an inconspicuous camera with a flashing red dot. His voice was low and calm, but with a meaningful sneer, "Some people think that instead of wasting resources on a failed plan, it is better to reallocate resources to support other plans."
"Will you choose the Mountain Moving Plan or the Digital Life Plan..." Lu Mingfei asked.
The Digital Life Plan is to upload human consciousness to a server, and when a solar crisis breaks out, the server will be launched into outer space. As long as the server is not destroyed, the copied consciousness inside will continue to live in the server.
"Brother, is digital life really considered life?" Lu Mingze's voice began to become erratic, as if it came from a distant dream. His eyes were filled with some indescribable doubt and mockery, and he shook his head gently. "I doubt it... Okay, let's stop here. Someone is here to see you, brother."
Before he finished speaking, Lu Mingze's figure disappeared into the air like mist, as if he had never existed.
Lu Mingfei slowly opened his eyes. He was the only one left in the ward. It was so quiet that it made people uneasy. The sunlight from outside the window poured in through the white curtains. The light and shadows fell on the floor in mottled patterns, which seemed a little cold.
Not long after, the door of the ward was gently pushed open, and Xu Yanbo's figure appeared at the door.
"Brother Lu, are you okay?" Xu Yanbo walked to Lu Mingfei's bed and asked softly. The boy was lucky. He only had a few scratches on his body. After a simple bandage, he was back to life.
"I'm fine." Lu Mingfei slowly came back to his senses. His gaze moved from the empty bedside to Xu Yanbo, with a hint of fatigue in his eyes.
Xu Yanbo scratched his head, worry flashing across his eyes, but he still tried to keep a relaxed tone. "Brother Lu, that was quite thrilling! I heard that you and Zhang Peng went up into the sky and almost destroyed all those self-destructing drones. That's amazing!"
Lu Mingfei smiled slightly, but the smile seemed a little forced. The scenes of the chase, explosion and death in the air still lingered in his mind. Those self-destructing drones, the crashed space station, and the space elevator engulfed in flames, everything seemed like a nightmare that was hard to get rid of.
"Just trying my best," he whispered, a hint of fatigue in his voice.
Xu Yanbo scratched his head, as if he wanted to say something to ease the dull atmosphere in the ward, but in the end he just sighed and said in a comforting tone: "Brother Lu, don't blame yourself too much. Those drones...we couldn't do anything about it. Who would have thought they would make such a big noise."
"People outside are going crazy now. People are taking to the streets everywhere to demand the restoration of the Digital Life Plan." Xu Yanbo whispered with a hint of helplessness in his tone. He looked outside through the window of the ward. The noise seemed to penetrate the walls of the ward and faintly reached his ears.
Lu Mingfei just nodded and said nothing more, but his thoughts drifted back to what Lu Mingze had just said, about satellites, about tactical missiles, and about the forces hidden behind them. All of this seemed to be more complicated than he had imagined.
The two were silent for a while, and the only sound in the ward was the slight hum of the equipment.
"By the way, Brother Lu," Xu Yanbo suddenly remembered something, took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, handed it to Lu Mingfei, winked and smiled, "It's not convenient for you to smoke in the hospital, I saved it for you, hehe."
Lu Mingfei glanced at the pack of cigarettes, smiled faintly, reached out to take it but did not open it. His fingertips gently stroked the surface of the cigarette box, as if he was thinking about something, but in the end he did not take out a cigarette and light it.
"Thanks. Let's talk after I'm discharged from the hospital."
Xu Yanbo chuckled twice, then said seriously: "Brother Lu, are you really okay? The doctor said you lost a lot of blood. I saw that your nosebleed couldn't be stopped, which really scared me."
Lu Mingfei glanced at him, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He remembered what Lu Mingze said, that his blood was not ordinary blood. If someone discovered the abnormality in it, the consequences would be disastrous.
"It's okay, maybe you're too tired. The doctor said you just need to rest for a while." Lu Mingfei said calmly, trying to make his tone sound relaxed.
Xu Yanbo was still a little worried when he heard him say this, but he couldn't ask any more questions, so he just nodded and said, "That's good, Brother Lu, you must have a good rest, we are still counting on you."
Lu Mingfei smiled and said nothing more.
…………
"Seven months! We must complete the feasibility verification of the planetary engine within seven months! If the planetary engine verification fails, mankind will face the possibility of extinction! So during these seven months, no one can be allowed to get close to the planetary engine under any circumstances!" A middle-aged Asian officer in military uniform stood in the center of the Gabon base, shouting in a loud voice with unquestionable firmness to a group of newly arrived young soldiers in front of him.
Lu Mingfei and Xu Yanbo stood not far away and watched quietly.
"Brother Lu, many people have evacuated from the base recently." Xu Yanbo couldn't help but say.
Now that several days have passed since the space elevator attack, the ruins in the Gabon base have been cleaned up and order has been restored. The planetary engine has also been rebuilt and the construction speed has begun to accelerate, but the shadow of the space elevator attack still looms in everyone's mind.
Some of the people Lu Mingfei had met before had left, and were replaced by unfamiliar faces from the same country as him.
"Brother Lu! It's just us for seven months! This is not fair!" Seeing that Lu Mingfei didn't answer, Xu Yanbo couldn't help but continue talking.
"There's no such thing as fair or unfair. If we don't do it, are we just going to die here? Let's go, it's our turn to go on the mission." Lu Mingfei said, and then walked towards the armory.
Due to the fall of the space station, many ordinary people began to lose trust in the Mountain Moving Project. Even 90 percent of the people in America began to lose trust in the Mountain Moving Project. They took to the streets to protest and demanded that the government withdraw the Mountain Moving Project and reinvest the funds in the Digital Life Project.
Under pressure from the public, the governments of America and other countries planned to withdraw from the mountain moving plan, but China insisted on continuing the mountain moving plan.
Finally, the joint government agreed that if the Chinese government could complete the verification of the planetary engine within seven months, then they would invest all their resources into the Mountain Moving Project, but if the feasibility verification failed, then they would invest all their resources into the Digital Life Project.
As for why it is seven months, it is because in seven months the Sun will erupt in a geomagnetic storm that occurs only once in a century, and the next few years will be a peak period of abnormally intense solar activity. If the ignition test of the Earth and lunar satellite engines cannot be completed before then, the average G6-level solar storm will bring an extremely long delay to the construction period, greatly shaking the confidence of countries around the world in the United Government's solar crisis response plan.
Since there is a possibility of restarting the digital plan, many supporters of the digital faction and some local armed forces have also begun to attack the Gabon base, hoping to prevent the construction of the planetary engine.
Lu Mingfei will lead his Ranger Team to capture those behind the attacks. Lu Mingfei and Xu Yanbo walked side by side on the road to the weapons depot. The base seemed extremely busy at this time. Workers were repairing the facilities damaged in the attacks. At the planetary engine construction site not far away, giant cranes and various mechanical equipment were shuttling back and forth, creating a tense construction scene.
There was a seriousness and sense of urgency on everyone's face, as if what was pressing on their shoulders was not just the work task, but the future of the entire world.
Lu Mingfei's mood was as heavy as those busy workers. The construction of the planetary engine had now become the last hope of mankind, but in his heart, that hope was becoming increasingly slim.
Outside the armory, several rangers were standing there sorting their equipment. When they saw Lu Mingfei and Xu Yanbo coming over, they all nodded to him. Although there was no extra verbal communication, Lu Mingfei saw trust and dependence in their eyes. Everyone was waiting for his instructions because he was their captain.
Everyone's expression was somewhat solemn, which was completely different from the relaxed atmosphere in the past. In the past, they could still joke and play games while performing tasks, but now, everyone knew that the importance of this mission should not be underestimated.
"Brother Lu, is there anything special about this mission?" Xu Yanbo asked in a low voice. Although he has been promoted to a formal ranger member, the childishness on this boy's face has not completely faded away.
Lu Mingfei thought for a moment, picked up an electromagnetic gun, skillfully installed the battery, gently pulled the trigger, and tested the weapon's reaction.
"According to intelligence, the commanders behind this attack have an armed force with rich combat experience, and they may have the support of a powerful force behind them."
Xu Yanbo's eyes tightened, "Should we bring some heavier firepower?"
"We can't be too high-profile, lest we cause a large-scale conflict," Lu Mingfei shook his head and said slowly, "This time the mission is to capture, not to annihilate. We need to find out where these attackers came from, whether they are simply opposition groups or are they being manipulated by external forces."
Xu Yanbo nodded, with a hint of seriousness in his eyes. Although he was usually careless, he would become extra serious every time he was on a mission.
After the equipment was prepared, Lu Mingfei led the team onto the armored vehicle. The atmosphere inside the vehicle was a bit depressing. Everyone was silent, just organizing their weapons and equipment. The sense of oppression could be felt from the occasional eye contact.
Outside the car window, stricter security checks were being carried out inside and outside the base. Many soldiers in protective clothing were busy, always on guard against possible attacks at any time.
The air in the car was filled with a tense atmosphere. Xu Yanbo suddenly whispered, "Brother Lu, what do you think...if the plan to move the mountain really fails, do we have no choice but to become one of those digital lives?"
Lu Mingfei did not answer for a moment. He looked out the window, gazing at the huge building under construction in the distance, the main structure of the planetary engine.
At that moment, he felt an extremely deep sense of powerlessness. The Mountain Moving Project and the Digital Life Project, both seemed to be fighting for the future of mankind, but no matter which one was chosen, it would mean giving up something.
"I don't know, Xu Yanbo," Lu Mingfei whispered, with a hint of confusion in his tone, "Maybe we have no choice."
The interior of the vehicle fell into silence, with only the roar of the armored vehicle's engine and the sound of its wheels rolling on the ground echoing in their ears.
The armored vehicle was speeding away from the outer defense line of the Gabon base. The setting sun in the sky began to sink, and the orange-red light sprinkled on the vast African land, covering this land full of vitality and crisis with a layer of dreamy veil. However, behind this dreamy scene, there are countless murderous intentions and dangers.
Finally, the armored vehicle stopped near a remote village. This place had long been in ruins. Only broken walls and ruins were left of the former houses. There was no one on the empty streets. Only the wind brought a little dust, and from time to time it blew up a desolate atmosphere.
"According to intelligence, the militants commanding this attack are hiding in a nearby stronghold." Lu Mingfei whispered to the team members after getting off the car.
The team members immediately dispersed and moved silently to their respective positions with the door frame robot. The entire action was like a precise mechanical operation. Everyone integrated into the surrounding environment and moved quickly without making any sound.
Lu Mingfei held his breath, the only sound he could hear in his ears was the wind. His pupils glowed slightly golden, and the Word Spirit - Kamaitachi silently unfolded. Faintly, he could sense the heartbeats of several people coming from deep within the ruins.
"Six people, two o'clock direction." Lu Mingfei whispered, pointing gently to a collapsed building behind the ruins.
The team members looked at each other, their eyes full of tactical understanding. They approached the target silently, and everyone's footsteps were as light as a fallen leaf, for fear of disturbing the enemy ambushing in the dark.
As they got closer, the dilapidated building became clearer in their sight.
Several fully armed militants were patrolling back and forth in the building. Their figures seemed a little blurry in the dim light, but their high sense of alertness could not be ignored. Their movements were full of the habits of professional soldiers. Their eyes glanced around from time to time, ready to respond to emergencies at any time.
"Get ready." Lu Mingfei ordered in a low voice, tightening the stun gun in his hand.
However, just as they were about to launch the attack, a gunshot suddenly broke the silence of the night sky.
"Enemy attack!" The militants in the ruins reacted instantly and opened fire wildly. Bullets poured out like raindrops, raising dust all around.
"Damn it! Exposed!" Xu Yanbo cursed with gritted teeth while lowering his body to avoid the bullets.
“Spread the attack! Don’t let them get away!” Lu Mingfei ordered in a deep voice and rushed forward. His movements were as fast as the wind as he quickly dodged the enemy’s firepower. He seemed to blend into the night.
The battle broke out in an instant, the firepower of both sides intertwined, and the crisp sound of shells falling to the ground and the deafening roar of the explosion mixed together.
The Ranger Squad acted swiftly, and their tacit cooperation and the help of the door frame robot allowed them to gradually gain the upper hand in a short period of time. Although the enemy's firepower was fierce, under the pressure of the squad, their range of activities was gradually compressed, and they had no way to retreat.
Relying on the perception of the sickle-weasel, Lu Mingfei was able to maneuver easily in the chaotic battle. His eyes were fixed on one of the militants, who was trying to escape with a communication device tightly in his hand. Obviously, he was the key figure in the previous attack.
"Catch him!" Lu Mingfei chased after him without hesitation. Bullets whizzed past him, but his movements were still swift and he approached the militant in just a few steps.
The man sensed Lu Mingfei's approach, and turned around in panic to raise his gun, but it was too late. Lu Mingfei aimed his stun gun at his shoulder in an instant and pulled the trigger - a low sound of electricity was heard, and the militant trembled violently, the weapon in his hand fell to the ground, and the whole person fell to the ground.
At the same time, other militants were subdued or killed.
"Subdue the target." Lu Mingfei whispered and walked towards the militant lying on the ground.
Xu Yanbo and other team members quickly stepped forward and tied up the militant tightly, ensuring that he would no longer have any chance to resist.
"This guy doesn't look like an ordinary militant, Brother Lu. The thing he holds in his hand..." Xu Yanbo pointed at the communication device in the militant's hand.
Lu Mingfei bent down and picked up the communication device, frowning slightly. The surface of the device looked ordinary, but it felt much heavier than ordinary communication devices. Obviously, it was equipped with some special module. The screen displayed complex encrypted information and some unresolved signal fluctuations. The weak electric current sound emitted by the device seemed particularly harsh in the silent night.
Lu Mingfei's fingers slid across it quickly. He could feel the complex structure and coding within the device. It was obvious that this kind of equipment was not something that ordinary militants could use casually, but had the support of a powerful organization.
"This is not a device that can be easily purchased on the market." Lu Mingfei said in a low voice, while continuing to flip through the interface of the device, "There must be a deeper force behind it. It seems that they are not just trying to stop the construction of the planetary engine."
The cursor on the communication device flickered, and Lu Mingfei found several unread messages. After decoding, a few lines of numbers and short text appeared on the screen, which seemed to be some kind of action instructions and the coordinates of the target location.
"Here are new instructions. It seems they have the next move." Lu Mingfei's eyes were heavy and his brows were furrowed. "We have to speed up our actions and not give them any chance to breathe."
"Let's take him back to the base first and see if we can get more valuable information from him." Lu Mingfei signaled other members to escort the prisoners.
The team members quickly tied up the militants and put them on the armored vehicle. Lu Mingfei looked around again, and after confirming that there was nothing missed or ambushed, he signaled the team to leave safely.
(End of this chapter)
