Chapter 196: The Test Subjects

Sanchez had no idea that every move they made was displayed on the large screen in the command center of the Tanga Federation base thousands of miles away.

Du Qiu watched the screen, which showed separate views of multiple rooms, and said, “Xingtian’s first actual combat, although at a low-intensity level, is enough to ascertain its strength.

Hmm, at this stage, it should be sufficient for domestic military use. Notify Major Liu, this battle robot model is now finalized.”

Xingtian is the name Du Qiu gave this battle robot, named after an ancient mythological giant warrior who lost his head. This robot lacks a distinct head and is not humanoid in form. The name Xingtian seems quite fitting, mainly because it sounds cool.

Star Ocean responded, “Got it. Do we need to use Xingtian ourselves?”

“Since Xingtian has made an appearance domestically, let’s use it to replace the fixed automatic firepower platforms previously used at the perimeter of the base. Let’s hide the Hunters inside the base.”

“Understood.”

“By the way, have the people from Minister Kodamura’s group been behaving since they arrived at the base?”

Star Ocean replied, “Very compliant. Kodamura is the most loyal among them, urging the researchers to conduct their studies. The progress of several projects is still normal.

However, without human test subjects, both the NX project and K plan have stalled.”

Du Qiu smiled and pointed to Sanchez and others on the large screen, saying, “Aren’t these qualified test subjects?”

“Oh, no wonder you just asked to keep some prisoners alive. It makes sense to use them here.”

Du Qiu suddenly sighed and said, “It’s no wonder they say scientists are madmen. But if we want to make some groundbreaking advancements in human studies, we can’t do without human experiments.

One can only say, for the welfare of all humanity, let these people who were already doomed to die make some contribution.

Star Ocean, find out all the information about these people and arrange some unexpected compensation for their families.”

“Yes, sir,” Star Ocean agreed, and then asked, “What should we do about the researchers from the Heiying Pharmaceutical Research Institute branch that we’re keeping at the base? How should the South Sudan government deal with Japan’s demands for their people?”

Du Qiu replied coldly, “Does the Japanese government have the gall to ask for people?”

“Sir, the Japanese might use the rationale of taking all participants to the International Criminal Court for trial on crimes against humanity to push South Sudan to send these people to The Hague.”

Du Qiu responded firmly, “South Sudan is not a party to the International Criminal Court; they have no obligation to send criminals there!

Besides, those who are anti-human are not these obedient researchers but the Japanese politicians themselves.

Star Ocean, our people need to keep an eye on relevant Japanese government officials and collect evidence comprehensively. Revenge is not served cold just yet; when the time comes, we must make those responsible pay back the South Sudanese people who have died.”

“Understood, sir. If President Rein Leinar asks about the whereabouts of these people, how should we reply to him?”

Du Qiu thought for a moment and then said, “First, use high-fidelity robots as substitutes, and then arrange a detention location in South Sudan.

Our K plan needs to be accelerated. As long as we have preliminary results, even if we can only provide bodies with identical genes, it will be enough.

I believe that when the South Sudanese government decides to execute these people for crimes against humanity, the Japanese may attempt a rescue. Then, a staged explosion could accomplish the destruction of evidence.

If they don’t come, even better. We can just send the ashes to the Japanese.”

“Alright, with these military personnel from the United States, the K plan should make rapid progress, as the Japanese have already conducted many experiments, and the data is quite comprehensive.”

Du Qiu remembered something and said, “That Watanabe Tomohito’s actions are risky. We’ve just managed to deal with President Uyata; it would be troublesome if he rallies the opposition and causes an incident.”

Star Ocean asked, “What would you like to do, sir?”

“Arrange for our latest nanobot assassins to carry out the assassination. Hmm, it seems that he doesn’t have any serious health issues, so let’s make it look like a sudden death. Middle-aged men can easily suffer from such incidents when overworked.”

“Understood, then we’ll arrange it before he meets that prime minister.”

Du Qiu shook his head, “No, let him meet the prime minister first, then send the video of their meeting to President Uyata. I believe he will thank us.

Such matters are better handled by those seasoned politicians. Didn’t you see how impressively President Danfor of Seychelles handled it? Now there’s almost no voice from the opposition parties in his country.”

“Got it.”

Du Qiu clapped his hands and said, “Alright, that’s it for tonight. Continue to keep an eye on the GIA and the U.S. military base in New Castle City. If they make any further moves, report back to me.

I’m now going to perform the last step of the metallic hydrogen preparation experiment, hoping to have it basically working in the next few days. After I return to the country, you can continue with the incremental experiments.”

“Don’t worry, sir, I’ve got everything under control here.”

++++++++

In Eastern Africa, inside the United States military base in New Castle City, at the combat command center.

“Fack! Chief, we’ve lost the signal. The Sidewinder Squad has lost contact with us!”

A colonel stood behind a row of operators with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression grave as he watched the returned images turn into a screen full of snow.

“Jack, quit complaining. Instantly send a drone into South Sudan to fly over that industrial park. I want to know what exactly happened there.”

“Chief, if the drone ventures into South Sudan and something goes wrong, what then?”

“Is the drone more important, or are the lives of all members of the Sidewinder Squad? Execute the order now!”

“Yes, Chief!”

As the operator began to work, a drone that had already been hovering at an altitude of 16,000 meters within Esai’s borders headed towards South Sudan.

Thirty minutes later, the Global Hawk drone had arrived over the capital of South Sudan, Zhuba.

“Chief, we’re now over the target. There doesn’t appear to be anything unusual about the target area.”

“Lower the altitude to 8,000 meters. What can you see flying so high? Do you really think that equipment can get a clear shot of the ground?” said the colonel, somewhat annoyed.

The Sidewinder Squad was the best assault team he had under his command, and when the GIA requested a night raid on the industrial park in Zhuba, he thought it would be an almost certain success. He couldn’t understand how things had gone wrong.

“Yes, Chief, lowering to 8,000 meters. Let’s take a good look at the actual face of the target… Fack, what’s happening? My little hawk has gone offline.”

“What’s wrong?” asked the colonel, seeing the image freeze all of a sudden.

“Chief, our drone is offline!”

“How is that possible? Was it shot down?”

“I don’t know. The connection with it just broke off suddenly. There’s only one possibility: there must be a strong directional jamming source there.”

“If it’s out of your control, what will happen to it? Will it crash?”

“Yes, Chief.”

“Damn it, what in the world is down there?” The colonel was infuriated – just moments ago they lost people, and now a drone was gone too. Was it a black hole down there?

The colonel immediately called the director of the GIA’s East Affairs Bureau, Clark.

“Was the operation a success?” Clark asked on the other side of the call.

“I’m sorry, it failed. My Sidewinder Squad is completely out of contact, and the Global Hawk we sent for close reconnaissance is also offline. Can you tell me what’s down there?”

“Is that so? It seems I underestimated Dr. Du Qiu.”

“Damn it, with your ‘underestimated,’ you’ve sunk my Sidewinder Squad and the Global Hawk drone. Now their fates are uncertain!”

Clark’s voice was calm, “As soldiers, sacrificing their lives for the country could happen at any time! I’ll report to the higher-ups and quickly decide on further action.”

Listening to Clark’s calm voice, the colonel calmed down. Arguing at this point wouldn’t change the fact that the operation had failed.

The colonel asked, “Can’t we send in a new assault team discreetly?”

“It’s unclear what’s going on right now. We’ll wait for new intelligence before taking any further action, else it’s like moths to a flame.”

“Alright, I’ll take your advice.”

It was the beginning of a glittering night in the United States.

Clark sat in his office, quietly pondering.

His gaze was fixed on some text written on a whiteboard nearby, along with some pictures that were posted there.

Suddenly, Clark stood up, quickly walked around his desk, went to the whiteboard, and took down a photograph.