48: The approaching storm and a do-or-die situation

The intelligence brought back by the "Shadow Team" hit the seagull one Command Center like a massive boulder, stirring up huge waves. The Scrin building a nest on Mars wasn't just for military occupation—they were conducting large-scale "incubation"! This was absolutely terrible news that threatened the entire Solar System.

"The analysis results are out," the Chief Researcher said with a heavy voice. "The energy reactions from the incubation pit are steadily intensifying. Based on the growth curve, the time window for the completion of the large-scale incubation is very likely within seventy-two hours!"

Seventy-two hours! Only three days left!

The time pressure was suffocating. Once the Scrin's new units successfully hatched, the current defensive forces of the Crimson Bulwark wouldn't be able to stop them at all. When that time came, not only would the Mars Base be finished, but the Scrin's next target would likely be Earth!

"We must take the initiative to attack! Destroy that incubation pit before they finish hatching!" Lieutenant Colonel Falcon's voice came through the comms, carrying a decisive resolve. He felt the pressure most directly from his position on the ground.

Sun Zheng stood before the star map, his gaze as sharp as a blade. Passive defense was a dead end; they had to attack! But how?

The disparity in strength was vast. The Scrin nest was protected by an Interference Zone and overseen by an overseer crystal, with unknown numbers of Reapers and Phase Walkers, plus the unknown threats about to hatch. Meanwhile, their side only had the newly established Crimson Bulwark, three transport ships lacking heavy firepower, and limited mobile forces.

Charging in blindly would be like throwing eggs against a stone.

"We need a plan that can strike the vital points with precision while maximizing our own preservation," Sun Zheng said in a deep voice. His mind raced, combining all intelligence and resources to conceive a possible solution.

"Commander," the head of the Chronosphere Project Team proposed a bold idea, "after quantum enhancement, the precision and stability of our Chronosphere have improved significantly. While we can't directly send large units into the core of the Interference Zone, could we teleport small elite squads to weak points on the edge of the zone, or even directly above the incubation pit?"

"A surgical strike?" A sharp light flashed in Sun Zheng's eyes. That was indeed an idea! By utilizing the suddenness of Chronosphere Teleportation, they could bypass the enemy's outer defensive lines and strike straight at the heart!

"But the risk is extremely high," the project head added. "The spatial structure within the Interference Zone is unstable, and teleportation coordinates might deviate. Furthermore, the strike team will be surrounded, with almost no chance of survival."

"We can use the 'fortress one' battle fortress and prism tanks for a frontal feint to draw away the enemy's main forces!" Lieutenant Colonel Falcon suggested. "To create an opportunity for the strike team!"

"We also need electronic interference to suppress the overseer crystal's command and phase weaponry!" the Intelligence Officer added.

A bold, almost suicidal "decapitation" operation plan began to take shape in Sun Zheng's mind:

Phase One: Frontal Feint

The main forces of the Crimson Bulwark (battle fortresses, prism tanks, Rocket Troopers) would launch a heavy assault on the perimeter of the Interference Zone, creating a massive disturbance to attract the attention of the Scrin ground forces.

Phase Two: Chronosphere Strike

Simultaneously, using the Chronosphere, the most elite squad (Chrono Legionnaires, Spies, and Engineers carrying high-explosive Dynamite) would be deployed directly near the incubation pit! They would have only one mission: destroy the incubation pit's energy core at all costs!

Phase Three: Electromagnetic Suppression

The "Seagull" fleet in orbit would deploy specialized electromagnetic pulse bombs to attempt to briefly paralyze the overseer crystal's command system and phase weapons, buying time for the strike and retreat.

It was a plan where every link was interconnected and fraught with danger. A failure at any stage could result in the total annihilation of the forces.

"This is our only chance." Sun Zheng's gaze swept across every tense face in the Command Center. "We have no way back. Mars doesn't, and Earth certainly doesn't."

He connected to the Moon Base communications and briefly reported the dire situation on Mars and the operational plan to Colonel A001, who remained behind.

"Commander, the Moon Base will provide long-range support at any time, including activating the Chronosphere to receive retreating units." A001's voice was steady, offering firm support.

"Thank you. I'm entrusting our home to you," Sun Zheng said solemnly.

After cutting the communication, Sun Zheng took a deep breath and issued the final decision:

"Attention all units!"

"I order the initiation of Operation breaking the cauldron!"

"Objective: Destroy the Scrin incubation pit within seventy-two hours!"

"All units are to begin pre-battle preparations immediately according to the designated plan!"

"For survival! For the future!"