First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 168

Chapter 168: Threat

Currently, the biggest problem is how to deploy troops for the rescue operation.

The 36th District's location is too remote. Each military unit can't spare complete personnel, necessitating joint cooperation between various forces. Just selecting personnel and determining numbers is already a point of contention.

Then there's timing, location, how to make contact, and detailed arrangements—all major issues.

The 36th District has already cut off communications, and the backup signal devices have limited connection range. They must first approach the 36th District to a certain distance before they can receive official communication signals.

But if the 36th District has already been occupied, the Gelen United Army won't give them any chance to get close. Since the distance exceeds defensive perimeter range, they'd be attacked without complete intelligence, causing unnecessary losses.

This is practically a paradox.

If they want to understand the 36th District's current situation, they must first approach the combat zone. But if they want to approach the combat zone, they first need to know the 36th District's current status.

All responsible personnel and decision-makers were summoned to gather for a meeting.

There are too many unknowns, hence too many considerations. Urgency and caution have collided head-on.

"The enemy clearly came prepared. Even if we successfully receive information, its authenticity would be questionable."

"We're in no position to doubt right now. Even if we do, it's worth attempting."

"Before discussing whether to doubt, shouldn't we first consider how to receive signals?"

"Has it even been confirmed whether the 36th District established new signal towers?"

"If we consider the worst-case scenario—they might have truly failed to build new signal towers, and the Gelen Army would intercept them in the main urban area—what could they possibly do?"

"What about the observational reports from the 35th District?"

"No enemy movements visible. It's confirmed the main enemy forces have fully invaded."

"Bastards!" A man slammed the table angrily. "What the hell were the people in the 36th District doing? Blinded by profit? How could they let this happen!"

"Enough. Before this, we must clarify our objectives."

The Major General coughed and said, "Approaching the 36th District to obtain the latest intelligence requires not just technical support but more importantly strategic decisions. If we do this, how many losses will we incur? And how many can we afford? Who's willing to go? Everyone should think carefully."

"How many usable personnel remain in the 36th District? Military, government, civilians—how many? According to reports, we can't even fully grasp civilian sentiments in the combat zone now."

"If there's internal conflict, they probably can't explain it themselves either."

"What are the administrative districts doing? What about the garrison troops? How many have died? What are their plans? Are they counterattacking or have they completely given up? Who opened internal channels for them? How did they make contact? We shouldn't act rashly—at minimum, we should clarify these questions first."

"Look at the mess they've made!"

"Frankly speaking, for the enemy to enter the district unhindered, the traitors likely came from within the military itself, Colonel."

Several military leaders argued incessantly while other units remained silent.

The Third Expeditionary Army's commander frowned with closed eyes, his undisguised expression showing he was at his limit tolerating the meeting's noise.

"Endless analysis leads nowhere! Now isn't the time to hunt traitors!"

"But if we don't know who the traitors are, all subsequent decisions will be flawed!"

"Decisions?" The Third Army commander opened his eyes. "So the Ninth Army volunteers for combat?"

"No need for this. Arguing now is meaningless."

The factions nearly came to blows.

The situation was already shrouded in mystery, making coordination difficult. More people meant more opinions, fueling arguments.

With clashing styles, they grated on each other's nerves. Without effective solutions, this would be hard to resolve.

"The Sixth Army will go," Liliana declared unequivocally. "The Sixth Army has been to the 36th District before. Our systems still retain complete city data from two years ago—there shouldn't be major changes. We'll dispatch specialized technicians to assist. Once the data platform is restored, we'll send instructions to the Alliance for others to prepare reinforcements."

The Third Army commander said, "The Third Army can also go. Currently, we can deploy two hundred mech pilots freely. As for regular troops and equipment, we'll need Alliance support."

As the two scanned the room, another commander said, "Need more? The Eleventh Army can spare some personnel."

Liliana replied, "No, maintain current deployments. We still don't know the Gelen United Army's true objectives."

Just as they prepared to move past arguments and finalize rescue plans, the projected image flickered. Static snow swept down as the signal destabilized.

The control center reported, "Incoming communication from the 36th District."

An elder at the head finally spoke: "Patch it through."

The meeting formed a circle. Now at its center appeared a man in black military uniform lounging on a sofa, a floor-to-ceiling window revealing clear skies behind him.

At ease, one arm resting on the sofa, he smiled at the assembly. "Seems you're all prepared—what an honor. Apologies for disturbing you on such a day."

The elder said, "You may speak."

"Rest assured. Your students and citizens are safe. Students are detained at the base; civilians are sheltered in bunkers. Though minor pests keep causing trouble, they'll quiet down soon." The Gelen officer continued, "I'm contacting you to advise against rash actions. After all, bunkers aren't indestructible, and each holds over a hundred thousand people. Any accidents would be a national tragedy."

Hanging Alliance citizens' lives by a thread as bargaining chips.

Liliana slammed the table. "Your hypocritical concern never changes. Such disgraceful conduct fits Gelen's traditions perfectly."

"Colonel Liliana, think carefully. I know your temper—and I dislike it." The officer said, "Right now, I treat them like my own relatives, allocating massive resources to care for them, because I still consider the Alliance friends. But if you refuse cooperation, I'll have to reconsider our relationship."

As he finished, Liliana shot up. But the elder was faster, cutting the transmission.

No need to continue—they wouldn't accept this deal.

Liliana exhaled sharply and sat back down.

"Don't panic."

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger smiled. "At least we got two pieces of intel. First, resistance persists in the 36th District. Second, the Gelen Army holds key positions with the entire district's population as hostages—but they're safe for now. See? We're not completely blind—the enemy told us themselves."

His tone was light, but neither message was comforting.

"We can't attack directly—need long-term planning. If rescue teams are too conspicuous, the enemy might resort to desperate measures."

"They're just buying time."

"But you can't deny they have sufficient leverage!"

As tempers flared again, a thunderous table slam silenced the room.

"Then," Liliana said, eyes sharp, hands on the table, "should we prioritize rescuing the base or the bunkers?"

Silence.

An agonizing choice. Sometimes choosing means abandoning.

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, "We can trust them a little. After all, they're the Expeditionary Force's successors."

"Hah." Someone sneered. "During training, they're 'brats'—green, unqualified. Now that trouble's here, suddenly they're elites?"

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger narrowed his eyes. "Compared to me, they are brats—that's why I train them. But compared to some here, their skills might already surpass their teachers."

Third Army commander: "Happy now?"

"I think we can do both. If conflict persists in the 36th District, the Gelen United Army's numbers are limited—they'd prioritize combat. They probably won't heavily guard these locations." Hundred Meter Flying Dagger shrugged. "If we can get in."

The military meeting ended at 3 a.m.

Exhausted but with no time to rest, they finalized details while mobilizing infantry, air units, and logistics personnel.

Lin Lie waited outside the lab, leaning against a wall. News about the 36th District and civilian protests played nearby. Her mind remained clear, reciting today's experiment reports.

Her eyes burned dryly when her optical computer vibrated—a message at last.

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger scratched his neck. "Colonel Lin, are you alright?"

Lin Lie shifted slightly. "Fine."

"We're assembling mechs and troops for the 36th District. Can't share specifics, but the situation seems manageable. No need to worry excessively."

"Thank you." Lin Lie said. "Please keep me updated."

"You should rest."

Lin Lie nodded.

It would be a restless night.

Lian Sheng's group had been in the bunker for over thirty hours without any external updates—no sounds or vibrations.

The confined space reeked with accumulating odors as children's cries persisted. Privacy was nonexistent here.

Uncertain how long they'd stay, their sole comfort was the Gelen Army's continued civility.

Huddled in a corner minimizing their presence, they shared a thin blanket against the night's chill.

At "daybreak"—indiscernible without their optical computers—Lian Sheng decided to scout the entrance for sounds indicating safety or danger.

After exchanging glances with Zhao Zhuoluo's group, she stood.

As a woman, her physical disadvantage here was an advantage—less suspicious despite her sturdy build.

Hugging herself, Lian Sheng shuffled toward the exit.

A guard stopped her. "What are you doing?"

"Too cold." Rubbing her arms, she shivered. "Wondering when we can leave?"

"You'll be informed. If cold, get hot water inside."

Lian Sheng pouted. "Can I at least see outside? Or hear something? What's happening?"

The guard pointed inward. "Not your concern. Rest."

"Brother?"

He smiled. "Sister. Go back."

Too cautious—no progress here.

Scratching her ear to avoid suspicion, Lian Sheng turned to leave.

A prickling sense made her glance sideways—a short man staring intently.

Their eyes met and locked.

His face seemed familiar yet unplaceable until his features twisted into recognition, eyebrows waggling as he pointed at her.

His sleaziness sparked her memory.

Simultaneously, they shouted: "He/She's Alliance military!"

Gelen soldiers immediately surrounded them.

Lian Sheng gritted her teeth. This bastard had screwed her over twice—both times fatally.

Civilians stirred toward the commotion as Zhao Zhuoluo's group pushed forward anxiously.

Lian Sheng said, "Spreading lies? Bold."

"Many here know me!" The man jabbered. "Officer, ask anyone! East District residents know me—I don't lie!"

The Gelen soldiers scrutinized them silently.

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