49: Final preparations and countdown to the raid

The order for Operation "breaking the cauldron" spread through every corner of the Mars Expeditionary Force like a thunderclap. A tense, murderous atmosphere replaced the previous suppression, substituted by the determination of burning one's bridges. The seventy-two-hour countdown was like a sword hanging overhead.

The "Crimson Bulwark" entered a state of highest combat readiness. All defensive facilities operated at full power; the light of the prism towers scanned coldly through the Martian gloom, and the patriot missile silo covers were all open. Soldiers repeatedly checked their weapons and equipment, while Engineers performed final maintenance and loading on the Battle Fortresses and prism tanks. The air was thick with the scent of machine oil, metal, and the characteristic rusty smell of Martian dust.

At the ground command post, Lieutenant Colonel Falcon deduced the feint routes and rhythm over the sand table again and again. His mission was vital; he had to strike hard enough and realistically enough to firmly draw the main Scrin forces to the frontal battlefield.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere on the bridge of "seagull one" was equally solemn.

The candidates for the Chronosphere Raid Team had been decided:

Captain: "Ghost" — an experienced Chrono Legionnaire, responsible for the surgical removal of key targets and emergency space-time freezing.

Demolitions Expert: "Hammer" — a veteran Engineer carrying a special High-energy Fusion Bomb, responsible for destroying the incubation pit's energy core.

Electronic Warfare Expert: "Phantom" — a Spy equipped with top-tier cracking equipment, responsible for jamming the incubation pit's defense systems and attempting to retrieve data.

Assault Specialists: "Hammer" and "Anvil" — two of the most elite American Soldiers, responsible for the team's close-quarters protection and fire suppression.

This five-man squad was the most elite force of the Mars Expeditionary Force and the key to the success or failure of this operation. They were currently in the isolation chamber performing final equipment checks and psychological preparation. Everyone knew this journey offered only a slim chance of survival.

Sun Zheng personally saw them off. Looking at these young, resolute faces, he said in a deep voice, "This mission concerns the future of humanity. Your actions will determine the fate of Mars and even Earth. I cannot promise that you will definitely return, but I promise your sacrifice will never be in vain! The base will remember you, and humanity will remember you!"

"For the base! For humanity!" the five roared in unison, their eyes devoid of fear, containing only burning battle intent.

On the other side, the technical team was performing the final calibration of the Chronosphere. They had to ensure the squad was precisely teleported directly above the incubation pit; the error had to be controlled within ten meters! Simultaneously, special Electromagnetic Pulse Bombs were loaded onto "lü ou ii" and "seagull three"; they would be air-dropped at the critical moment to suppress the "overseer" crystals.

Time passed minute by minute.

Countdown: 12 hours.

Sun Zheng entered the homeworld space once again. The glimmer keystone at the center of the space also seemed to sense the tension of the impending great war; its light flowed a bit faster, transmitting a strange fluctuation that mixed vigilance with a thirst for battle. Sun Zheng placed his hand on the keystone to feel it silently, attempting to draw strength while also transmitting his determination to it.

Countdown: 6 hours.

All units completed final combat readiness checks. Ammunition was sufficient, and energy was at full capacity. Soldiers began eating high-energy rations to build up their strength.

Countdown: 1 hour.

The "Crimson Bulwark" troops began moving quietly toward their designated attack positions. The engines of the massive Battle Fortresses and prism tanks emitted a low roar, like beasts about to pounce on their prey.

On the teleportation platform of "seagull one," the five members of the "Ghost" squad stood side by side, wearing the latest protective suits, well-equipped and with firm gazes. The Chronosphere began to preheat, and a ghostly blue light lit up on the platform.

Sun Zheng stood before the command seat on the bridge, took a deep breath, and connected to the army-wide communication channel. His voice was clearly transmitted to the ears of every combat unit:

"All officers and soldiers!"

"The seventy-two-hour wait has ended! The moment that decides our fate is right before us!"

"Before us are the alien invaders attempting to destroy our home! Behind us are our fellow humans on Earth waiting for our triumphant return!"

"We have no retreat! No other choice! Only to fight to the death!"

"I order: Operation 'breaking the cauldron' officially begins!"

"For survival! For victory! For humanity!"

"Attack!"

With Sun Zheng's command, the horn for the human counteroffensive finally sounded across the crimson lands of Mars!

The "Crimson Bulwark" frontal feint units took the lead, launching a thunderous assault against the outer defensive lines of the Scrin interference zone!

The light of the Chronosphere on "seagull one" reached its peak!

"Ghost Squad, teleport!"