39: The blueprint for interstellar expedition and the base's Achilles' heel

The decision for the "Mars Expedition" was like a thunderclap, sending the entire Moon Base into a frenzy of activity. After the brief shock, it operated with unprecedented efficiency. Every department knew that this was not just a rescue mission, but the base's first step into the interstellar era, carrying immense significance.

Sun Zheng immediately summoned all core leaders to the Command Center for an emergency strategic meeting.

The primary question: How to get to Mars?

Currently, the base's only units capable of space flight were Rocket Troopers and Invader Fighters. However, the former had limited range and carrying capacity, while the latter were primarily for atmospheric combat and lacked the capability for interplanetary travel.

"We need starships, at least large transport ships," Sun Zheng said, getting straight to the point.

An Aerospace Engineer from the Combat Laboratory pulled up a series of blueprints: "Commander, based on our current technological reserves, there are two feasible options."

"Option One: Retrofit Armed Mining Vehicles. Utilizing their sturdy structure and space, we could install large thrusters and life support systems to turn them into rudimentary interstellar transport ships. The advantage is a low technical threshold, allowing for rapid production using existing lines. The disadvantages are slow speed, weak defense, and limited capacity."

"Option Two: Develop a new type of Aerospace Carrier, though this would require upgrades to the Combat Laboratory and Air Command Post. This represents the most advanced Allied Forces aviation technology we possess, featuring powerful transport capacity, self-defense firepower, and some orbital drop capabilities. The advantages are comprehensive functionality and strong combat power. The disadvantage is a long development and construction cycle with high costs."

Sun Zheng frowned as he looked at the two options. Option One was too risky; sending crude transport ships across tens of millions of kilometers of dangerous space was suicide. Option Two was powerful, but time waited for no one, and the survivors of the voyager might not last that long.

"Is there a middle ground? Or can we utilize our existing unique technologies?" Sun Zheng asked, his gaze turning toward the Chronosphere.

The head of the Chronosphere project team immediately replied: "Commander, the theoretical maximum range of the Chronosphere has been optimized to several times the Earth-Moon distance, but it's far from reaching Mars. Furthermore, teleporting over ultra-long distances to unknown coordinates is extremely risky and could result in units being lost in the turbulence of spacetime."

Chronosphere Teleportation could not be relied upon for now.

Just as the meeting reached an impasse, a technician analyzing the voyager's distress signal proposed a bold hypothesis:

"Commander, while analyzing the signal, we discovered that the voyager's communication equipment seems to employ a special Quantum Entanglement Enhancement Technology. Theoretically, this technology can greatly extend the stability and distance of Chronosphere communication. If we can reverse-Engineer this, perhaps we can improve the precision and range of the Chronosphere?"

This hypothesis made Sun Zheng's eyes light up! If they could crack the voyager's communication technology, it might actually solve the bottleneck of Chronosphere Teleportation!

"Establish a special task force immediately to fully crack the Quantum Communication Technology in the distress signal!" Sun Zheng ordered. This could be the key breakthrough for the expedition plan.

The second problem: The composition of the expeditionary force.

Even with transport, the troops sent to Mars had to be elite. The Martian environment was harsh, and they might encounter the main Scrin forces. Too few troops would be a suicide mission, while too many might weaken the Moon Base's defenses.

After intense discussion, a preliminary plan was established:

Core Force: Heavy armored units primarily consisting of battle fortresses and prism tanks to provide powerful ground firepower and defense.

Support Force: Rocket Troopers (for air support and reconnaissance), American Soldiers (for outpost defense and infiltration), and Engineers (for equipment repair and base construction).

Special Units: Chrono Legionnaires (to handle special threats) and Spies (potentially for infiltrating Scrin facilities).

Command Center: A flagship with command capabilities would be required.

The third problem, and the most severe: The defense of the Moon Base.

With the main force on an expedition to Mars, the Moon Base would inevitably be vulnerable. If the Scrin took the opportunity to attack, or if something happened in the Under-ice Ruins, could the remaining troops hold the line?

Sun Zheng looked at the several threat points marked on the lunar map with a heavy heart. The Ice Abyss Predators in the north, the mysterious Under-ice Ruins, the Scrin Fleet that could reappear at any time... the base's weaknesses were fully exposed at this moment.

"We must strengthen the base's automated defense systems," Sun Zheng decided. "Accelerate the construction of prism tower and patriot missile batteries, especially at key entrances and resource points. Simultaneously, initiate the 'Fortress' Plan to establish a mobile defense perimeter around the base consisting of battle fortresses and Tank Bunkers."

"Additionally, speed up research into the practical application of Magneto-Shock Coils. If we can successfully deploy them when the Scrin attack, they will be a powerful counter."

The meeting lasted for several hours, and the detailed draft of the Mars Expedition and Moon Defense Plan finally took shape. Although they still faced numerous difficulties, they at least had a clear direction.

After the meeting adjourned, Sun Zheng stayed in the Command Center alone, gazing at the red planet on the star chart.

The Mars expedition was a gamble. If they won, the base would gain valuable allies, technology, and strategic depth. If they lost, they might face utter ruin.

But some things had to be done.

He connected to the homeworld space, feeling the warm fluctuations from the glimmer keystone. This expedition might also yield more clues about the key.

"No matter what lies ahead, the Moon Base will no longer remain tucked away in a corner."

"Our flag will surely be planted on the soil of Mars!"