66: The Shadow Under the Ice and the Decapitation Concept

The intelligence on Europa sent back by the "windchaser" fell like ice into the Command Center of Hope Fortress. Not only had the Scrin established a foothold in Jupiter's orbit, but the scale of their base far exceeded imagination; furthermore, they were actively broadcasting a summoning signal! This undoubtedly confirmed Sun Zheng's worst suspicion—the Scrin were attempting to lead the wolves into the house!

"Can the signal content be decoded?" Sun Zheng stared at the jarring red dot on the star map representing Europa, his voice low.

"The signal encryption level is extremely high and utilizes mathematical logic we completely fail to comprehend; it cannot be deciphered." The communications officer shook his head. "However, based on energy signature analysis, the signal's directionality is very clear. The target is located in deep space beyond the Solar System, possibly beyond the Oort Cloud."

Beyond the Oort Cloud? That was already in the realm of interstellar space! The Scrin were sending messages to their home civilization or an even more terrifying existence!

"What is the defensive situation of the Europa base?" Sun Zheng turned to the intelligence officer.

"According to the 'windchaser's' preliminary scan, the main body of the base is hidden beneath Europa's thick ice layer. The entrance may be located in ice shell fissures or hydrothermal vent areas. A large number of Scrin patrol units and energy sensors have been detected above the ice; the defenses are extremely tight. A direct frontal assault would have zero chance of success given our current fleet strength."

A frontal assault was out, but leaving it alone was even worse. He had to figure out exactly what the Scrin were doing on Europa and the true purpose of that summoning signal!

Sun Zheng fell into deep thought. Going head-to-head was a poor strategy; he had to find another way. He recalled that the previous operations at the ancient ship in the Asteroid Belt and the Lunar Ruin had both relied on elite squads infiltrating the interior to achieve key results.

The prototype of a bold, high-risk plan gradually took shape in his mind—the "Decapitation" Operation 2.0.

Objective: Dispatch the most elite special operations squad to infiltrate the interior of the Scrin's Europa base to execute three tasks:

· Plant high-energy bombs to destroy core base facilities as much as possible, especially the signal transmission devices.

· Attempt to intercept or copy the summoning signal's data stream.

· Collect key intelligence such as the base's internal structure and troop deployment.

Executors: This squad needs to possess extremely strong infiltration, survival, and sabotage capabilities. Sun Zheng immediately thought of several key candidates: Shadow, who had deeply merged with the keystone and possessed powerful Order Energy and sensory abilities; the Spy, proficient in disguise, penetration, and electronic warfare; and the Engineer, skilled in demolition and engineering techniques. Perhaps the strongest Rocket Trooper would also be needed to handle external support and extraction from the ice layer.

Vehicle: The new "starshuttle-class" reconnaissance ship has a certain degree of stealth and short-range jump capabilities, making it suitable as a transport tool, but it cannot approach the heavily defended base. A small vehicle capable of silently penetrating Europa's ice layer or utilizing its geological structure to infiltrate is required.

"Combat Laboratory, immediately initiate a research project: a small submersible or drilling vehicle suitable for Europa's sub-ice environment. It must have high stealth and short-range sub-ice navigation capabilities."

"Medical Center, assess Shadow's physical condition to see if he is fit to execute this high-intensity infiltration mission."

"Notify Captain Renault that the 'windchaser' should continue to maintain hidden surveillance on the periphery of Europa to collect more data on Scrin patrol patterns and ice layer structures."

Orders were issued one by one, and the entire base began to operate at high speed around this bold plan.

A few days later, a preliminary feasibility report was placed before Sun Zheng.

Shadow: Physical condition has basically recovered, and due to the keystone fusion, he is more proficient in Scrin energy sensing and the use of Order Energy, making him the core candidate for the infiltration mission. However, he personally needs time to adapt to and master his newly increased power.

Submersible: The laboratory proposed a concept for a small "Phase Submersible" based on phase technology. It could use a phase field to briefly "merge" into the ice layer or water to achieve silent penetration, but the technology is not yet mature and requires time for R&D and testing.

Risk: Extremely high. Europa's environment is harsh, and the Scrin base's defenses are unknown; once exposed, the squad's chances of survival are slim.

Sun Zheng looked at the report, his finger lightly tapping the desk. Risk and opportunity coexisted. If successful, they would deal a heavy blow to the Scrin's Outer Solar System foothold, delaying or even preventing them from summoning reinforcements, thus buying precious development time for Earth and the base. If they failed, he would lose his most elite warriors and the precious keystone bearer.

But some risks had to be taken.

"Approve the 'Decapitation' operation plan, codename 'Icebreaker'."

"All departments are to cooperate fully to complete the submersible's R&D and personnel adaptability training as quickly as possible."

"Give Shadow and the other candidate team members the mission briefing and the principle of voluntary participation."

He stood up and walked to the massive porthole, gazing at the red Martian desert outside. In the distant shipyard, the keel of a "defender-class" destroyer was being laid; new hope was being nurtured.

And hundreds of millions of kilometers away, beneath the ice of Europa, was hidden a crisis concerning everyone's fate. He had to strangle that crisis in its cradle before it completely erupted.

"Operation Icebreaker must succeed; failure is not an option."