36: Alpha Squad

The pure white shell of the "cradle of life" sat on the gray steel platform like an out-of-place anomaly, yet also like a cold tombstone silently proclaiming a forbidden future. Inside, the steady hum of the energy field and the subtle sound of liquid circulation were the only proofs of the existence of four embryos crossing their life cycles at an extraordinary speed.

Han Zhe didn't look at the monitoring screen again. The feeling of watching his own "replicas" grow carried an indescribable eeriness and a sense of cold detachment. He left the specific monitoring and initial maintenance to the system, forcing himself to shift his attention to more practical and urgent matters—preparing everything needed for these soon-to-be-born "soldiers."

First was the equipment. The blueprint for a CMC-1A (a cost-optimized version) was complete, but the manufacturing cost of 1,800 points (reduced to about 1,500 after optimization) and a twelve-hour production time per unit meant he couldn't arm everyone within ninety days, let alone account for a possible future expansion.

"System, further optimize the production process of the CMC-1A. Explore the possibilities of modular design and automated assembly line production. Goal: compress the manufacturing time per unit to within 8 standard hours and reduce resource point consumption to 1,200 points. Simultaneously, design a standardized weapon mounting interface and a modular equipment system for rapid weapon swaps and mission configuration." Han Zhe stood before the refining core's control terminal, quickly issuing commands. Resource points had been heavily consumed by the construction of the "cradle of life," but the collection stations and SCVs were still producing steadily. The points were slowly recovering, barely maintaining around five thousand—enough to support subsequent equipment R&D and small-scale manufacturing.

[Command confirmed. Initiating cmc armor production process optimization research. Analyzing modular design... Evaluating feasibility of automated assembly lines... Estimated optimization time: 48 standard hours.]

Next were the weapons. The gauss rifle possessed immense power, but its energy consumption and rate of fire were significant drawbacks, making it unsuitable as a standard configuration. The "Armor-breaker" L-1 Laser Rifle, after enhancement, had decent performance but still appeared weak against heavy armor units.

"We need a reliable backbone of firepower. System, evaluate the possibility of deeply enhancing the standard laser rifles used by the 'Sentinels' and attempt to combine them with certain principles of Gauss Weaponry (such as rail-assisted acceleration) to design a new 'Rail-assisted Laser Rifle.' Requirements: achieve a better balance between power, rate of fire, energy consumption, and reliability, suitable for mass deployment as the primary weapon for cmc armor."

[New primary weapon R&D initiated. Proposal: Combine an enhanced laser core with a light rail acceleration ring to increase the muzzle velocity and armor penetration of the projectile (the high-energy photon beam is partially revolutionized into particles to accept rail acceleration) while maintaining relatively low energy consumption. R&D requirements: 800 resource points, 5 energy units, time: 36 standard hours.]

Besides the primary weapon, support firepower was equally important.

"Simultaneously, initiate preliminary research on individual support weapons. Directions: automatic grenade launchers (for dealing with soft clusters and fortifications), heavy flamethrowers (for specific environments and biological targets), and... individual anti-armor missile launchers. Priority: Anti-armor missiles > Grenade launchers > Flamethrowers." Han Zhe recalled those classic pieces of heavy individual weaponry from his memory; they were all indispensable for future squad combat.

[Support weapon preliminary research sequence established. Allocating resources and computing power.]

Beyond equipment, there was the training and command system.

"The memory indoctrination in the 'cradle of life' can only solve the basic problem of 'knowing how.' True battlefield reactions, tactical coordination, and psychological fortitude require actual, high-intensity training to forge." Han Zhe pulled up detailed structural diagrams of the Barracks and the surrounding area.

"System, with the Barracks as the core, design and build a Comprehensive Training Ground. It needs to include: a standard shooting range (various distances, moving/fixed targets), a basic tactical movement training area (cover, obstacles, climbing), a simulated battlefield environment chamber (capable of simulating different gravity, terrain, climate, and electromagnetic interference), and a debriefing and analysis center equipped with basic medical facilities. Training data must be fed back to the command center in real-time for easy evaluation and adjustment of training plans."

[Comprehensive Training Ground design generated. Requires utilizing part of the platform's external space and expansion structures. Construction requirements: 1,200 resource points, 6 energy units, time: 10 standard hours.]

The command system was another challenge. He could currently issue orders directly to the 'Sentinels' and future CMC pilots equipped with neural interfaces through the system, but as the army expanded, he couldn't micromanage everything.

"We need a hierarchical command network. System, you will act as the highest command node and data processing core. Below me, an 'AI Adjutant to the Base Commander' needs to be established (based on a functional divergence of yourself) to handle daily affairs, resource scheduling, and defense coordination. Further down, establish 'Squad Commander' positions for future clone squads; they will need higher-level tactical decision-making capabilities and a degree of autonomy. Design a corresponding command privilege protocol, communication encryption methods, and a battlefield information sharing system."

[Command network architecture design initiated. Creating 'AI Adjutant to the Base Commander' protocol (requires allocation of independent computing units and database mirrors). Formulating Squad Commander selection/training/authorization processes. Designing 'Battlefield Data Link' system to integrate sensor information from all units for limited battlefield situational awareness sharing. Estimated completion time: 60 standard hours (to be synchronized with clone maturation).]

A series of commands, like a spider weaving a web, clearly outlined the future development of the base. Resource points and energy reserves fluctuated like water levels under the consumption of various research and construction projects, but they remained within acceptable ranges. The entire platform was like a precision machine, driven by Han Zhe's will, conducting all-around preparations for the arrival of the 'new members' in ninety days.

Time flew by in a blur of activity.

Day forty-five.

The CMC-1B armor (further optimized version) production line was fully calibrated. The manufacturing time for a single unit was successfully compressed to 7.5 standard hours, with costs stabilizing at 1,150 resource points. Han Zhe ordered the initial production of four units as the standard equipment for Alpha Squad (his preset organization for the four clones about to be born).

The new primary weapon—the "Needle Rain-I" Rail-assisted Laser Rifle—was successfully developed. While retaining the rate of fire and precision of laser weaponry, it used light rail rings to grant the projectile greater kinetic energy and armor penetration, posing an effective threat to light vehicles and heavy infantry, with energy consumption much lower than pure Gauss Weaponry. Han Zhe immediately approved mass production, prioritizing its deployment to the cmc armor.

The Comprehensive Training Ground was completed. In the area extended from the edge of the platform, shooting lanes, simulated blocks, obstacle courses, and a spherical training chamber with adjustable internal environments were arranged in sequence. Though simple, they were fully functional.

The basic framework of the command network was established, and the "AI Adjutant to the Base Commander" protocol was loaded into an independent server array, which Han Zhe temporarily named "keystone." It began taking over tedious tasks like base material statistics, energy allocation, and routine defense system checks, allowing Han Zhe to focus more on strategic planning.

Day seventy-five.

The individual anti-armor missile—the "can opener" disposable launcher—completed its preliminary design. It used a shaped-charge anti-tank warhead combined with simple laser guidance (requiring the shooter's continuous illumination) to effectively threaten most light armored vehicles and fixed firing positions. Although its range was short, accuracy depended on the shooter, and it was a single-use item, Han Zhe placed it on the priority production list as a cheap emergency anti-armor measure.

Other projects for support weapons were still ongoing but were no longer the top priority.

Monitoring data from inside the "cradle of life" arrived regularly. The physiological indicators of the four cultivation bodies were all normal, and their development speed met expectations. They had passed the rapid growth phase and entered the final stage of physiological refinement and neural enhancement. The neural interfaces required for memory indoctrination were ready, and the massive military skill data packets and loyalty protocol frameworks had undergone multiple simulation tests, awaiting the final "write-in."

Han Zhe's mood grew more complex as the date approached. Anticipation, nervousness, doubt, and an indescribable... sense of parental responsibility? He knew this wasn't a normal parent-child relationship, but the control and expectation for the "lives" about to arrive, based on his own blueprint, were real and undeniable.

Day eighty-eight.

Four units of CMC-1B armor were finished, standing neatly in the Barracks' equipment maintenance area, their faint blue energy indicators flickering slightly in the dim light. "Needle Rain-I" rifles hung on weapon racks beside the armor, their cold metallic luster exuding a murderous intent. The Comprehensive Training Ground had undergone several system simulation runs; everything was ready.

Inside the command center, the "keystone" adjutant reported the base's various statuses in a steady electronic voice. Han Zhe stood before a holographic star map, but his gaze wasn't focused on the stars; instead, it was cast toward the "cradle of life."

Tomorrow would be the ninetieth day.

"System, perform final confirmation of the Alpha clones' status. Prepare the 'Awakening' procedure. Initiate highest-level isolation and security protocols. 'Sentinel' units are to stand guard around the perimeter of the 'cradle of life.' No one is to approach without my permission. I will go to greet them personally." Han Zhe's voice was calm, but his knuckles were slightly white as he gripped the edge of the console.

[Alpha-01 through 04 physiological status: Final check passed. Neural development: Met indoctrination standards. Life support system preparing to switch to awakening mode. Memory and protocol indoctrination programs ready. Isolation protocol initiated. Security deployment complete.]

The next day, 8:00 AM standard time.

Han Zhe, wearing a specially made internal service uniform with basic protection and communication functions, stood before the heavy airtight door at the center of the "cradle of life." Four "Sentinel" robots equipped with "Needle Rain" rifles stood on either side, their red sensor lights locked on the doorway.

The indicator light on the door turned from red to green, and with the hiss of gas being discharged, the door slid open to both sides.

A scent mixed with disinfectant, ozone, and an indescribable purity similar to a newborn wafted out. The interior light was soft, revealing a spacious pure white hall. In the center of the hall, four transparent "Awakening Pods" like upright coffins were arranged side-by-side. The pods were filled with pale blue nutrient solution, which was now rapidly draining.

Through the gradually clearing pod walls, four figures could be seen inside.

They were of similar height, about 1.85 meters, with robust and well-proportioned physiques. Their muscle lines were clear but not exaggerated, their skin was a healthy light wheat color, and they had extremely short, almost shaved hair. Their features... Han Zhe's heart skipped a beat—though slightly blurred by the immersion, the contours of those eyes, noses, and jaws were strikingly similar to his own, only younger, lacking the marks of time and experience, like a carbon copy of him in his early twenties. Their eyes were closed, and their expressions were calm, as if they were merely sleeping.

As the nutrient solution finished draining, a soft sound of airflow hissed inside the pods, and standard air began to be injected. Simultaneously, the neural interface probes inside the pod walls slowly retracted.

A few seconds later, the eyelids of the four men twitched almost simultaneously, and then they slowly opened.

Four pairs of eyes, all a deep black, saw their pupils contract slightly as they adjusted to the light. At first, their gazes were vacant and hollow, like machines that had just been started. But very quickly, something was "lit up." Preset knowledge, skills, identity recognition, and loyalty protocols... flooded into their blank minds like a tide, merging with their newly awakened physiological instincts.

Their gazes rapidly became sharp and focused, carrying the specific scrutiny and vigilance of soldiers. Their eyes swept over their surroundings and finally landed collectively on Han Zhe, who was standing at the doorway.

There was no hesitation, no confusion.

The four of them stepped out of the Awakening Pods almost simultaneously. Their movements were initially a bit stiff but quickly became coordinated and powerful, demonstrating excellent body control. They wore only the simplest white shorts and stepped onto the cold floor with bare feet, yet they seemed not to feel the cold at all.

They stopped five paces in front of Han Zhe and snapped to attention. With straight backs and fingers pressed against their trouser seams, their military posture was perfectly synchronized.

Then, simultaneously, they raised their right arms, balled their fists, and thumped their left chests over their hearts with a heavy thud. The movement was crisp and decisive, carrying a metallic quality.

"Alpha-01, online. Awaiting your orders, Commander." The one on the far left, with the most rugged facial features, was the first to speak. His voice was low and steady, with a hint of the raspiness of a fresh "startup," but exceptionally clear.

"Alpha-02, online. Awaiting your orders, Commander." The second one's eyes were slightly more expressive.

"Alpha-03, online..."

"Alpha-04..."

Four voices sounded in sequence. Their timbres differed slightly, but their tone, rhythm, and even that cold respect were identical.

Han Zhe looked at them. He looked at these four faces that were seventy to eighty percent similar to his younger self, yet entirely foreign. He saw the pure, programmed loyalty in their eyes and the sharp edge of a soldier that had just been indoctrinated.

It was a success. At least, a preliminary success. They were standing, they could speak, and they could perform basic commands and etiquette.

The heavy stone that had been hanging in his heart for ninety days finally hit the ground, only to be replaced by a more complex emotion.

"Welcome, Alpha Squad," Han Zhe said, his voice steady and devoid of too much emotion. "I am Han Zhe, your creator and your supreme Commander. This is your base and your future home. Your first task is to adapt to your bodies, master the skills you have been given, and prove your value through training."

"Understood, Commander!" the four replied in unison, their voices echoing in the empty awakening hall.

"Now, follow the 'Sentinel' units to the Barracks' equipment area. There, you will find the combat suits and weapons I have prepared for you. Once equipped, assemble at the Comprehensive Training Ground for your first adaptability training."

"Yes, Commander!"

Guided by the "Sentinels," the four of them departed the "cradle of life" with synchronized strides. Their backs were straight, and their footsteps firm; though barefoot, they looked as if they had already embarked on a grand campaign.

Han Zhe stood in place until their figures disappeared at the end of the corridor. He slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, feeling the weight on his shoulders lighten slightly, yet also feeling another, different kind of responsibility.

What he had created weren't just soldiers. They were "people" based on his own genes. What would they become in the future? Could their loyalty withstand the test of time? Could they survive on a cruel battlefield? Could they... develop their own thoughts and emotions?

These questions had no answers for now.

But regardless, the first step had been taken.

His army had welcomed its first members.

Though there were only four, though they were still green, and though they were full of unknowns.

Within this steel cradle, the first cry belonging to humanity (or something like it) had finally been born.

Cold, yet full of power.