Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Return of the One Who Stayed Behind

Rebuilding Civilization, No Pop-Up

When Xie Han and Chen Liu heard what Xu Qiang said, they were overjoyed. Any weapon that Xu Qiang called “a good find” was sure to be extraordinary. Xie Han took the document Xu Qiang handed over and saw that it listed a dozen entries of access into the forbidden zone, all dated exactly three days before the outbreak of the XR virus. The records were written in code, and Xie Han couldn’t make sense of them. He looked at Xu Qiang and asked, “You know what these codes mean, don’t you?”

Xu Qiang nodded. “During our training, we had to memorize not only our own side’s codes, but also familiarize ourselves with the codes used by many regional nations.” He pointed to a particular entry on the document. “Actually, the most valuable thing in the entire file is this one line.”

Xie Han and Chen Liu were both intrigued. “Stop beating around the bush. What is it, exactly?”

“RG-01 Base Vehicle.” Xu Qiang’s voice was tinged with excitement as he spoke the name. “I have no idea why a base vehicle like this was brought here for testing, but one thing is certain: a nearly complete base vehicle is exactly what we need right now.” He began to elaborate enthusiastically. “The RG-01 Base Vehicle was designed using the Heavy Sky Tiger 6 Ground Cruiser Tank as a blueprint. From the beginning, it was built to function as a command center, a field camp, and a heavily armed fortress all in one. The RG-01 not only outperforms the Heavy Sky Tiger 6 in terms of power, but it also boldly incorporates a semi-hover system that was still experimental at the time. Its firepower is several times more formidable. Just imagine—if we had an RG-01 Base Vehicle, a heavy roadbreaker would be nothing but a toy in comparison.”

A heavy roadbreaker was already a behemoth, but hearing Xu Qiang say it was just a toy made it impossible for Xie Han and Chen Liu to imagine how colossal the RG-01 Base Vehicle must be. Could it be on the same level as a special-purpose tractor?

As the possibility occurred to him, Xie Han couldn’t help but lose himself in fantasies—driving this monstrous base vehicle, storming cities, conquering lands, destroying everything in his path. After a while, he collected himself and said, “Damn it, whatever the cost, we have to get our hands on that base vehicle.”

Chen Liu was equally exhilarated. The pressure they felt from the heavy roadbreaker seemed to vanish in an instant. With this giant described by Xu Qiang, what would Gao Tianhao’s heavy roadbreaker amount to?

Xu Qiang, of course, understood what Xie Han and Chen Liu were thinking. He spread his hands. “We have to get it, no question. But right now, we don’t have a way in. We’ll have to wait until we gain control of the firepower system inside the forbidden zone before we’ll have a chance to enter. Besides, I suspect they’re testing the RG-01 Base Vehicle here for its command center and field camp functions. As for its firepower, the conditions here might not be suitable for that kind of test.”

Xu Qiang’s reasoning cooled Xie Han’s excitement a little. Suddenly, a thought occurred to him. “Do you think there might be some kind of pass or permit in this checkpoint that could fool the smart programs inside the forbidden zone?”

“This checkpoint is different from those on the highways,” Xu Qiang replied, shaking his head. “This place is more like a reception office. It only registers vehicles and personnel coming and going. Whether you can actually enter the forbidden zone depends on the data being sent to the command center inside. Only after approval does the command center transmit a special frequency to the checkpoint, which is then encoded into a specially processed pass. The smart programs rely on capturing this microwave signal to identify friend or foe and decide whether to attack or let you through.”

Xie Han felt a little overwhelmed by the explanation, but the gist was clear—his idea had just been shot down. Disheartened, he said, “So, it looks like getting inside won’t be so easy after all.”

Xu Qiang laughed. “Actually, it’s not impossible. Captain, don’t forget—our Apocalypse Company is full of talent. As long as you give them time, they can break even a smart program like this. There are no more governments or organizations left, so there’s no need for them to worry about getting caught or running out of time. They can work on it right here, openly and at their leisure. If one day isn’t enough, then two, three, even a week. Military-grade smart systems are strong, but they can’t withstand that kind of persistent hacking.”

“That’s right—why didn’t I think of that?” Xie Han’s excitement returned. He paced the office a few times. “But there’s still one question—why haven’t the zombie soldiers here been attacked by the smart gun towers?”

Chen Liu had an answer for that. “Each soldier on duty has their identity locked in. As long as they don’t leave their designated post, the smart beam towers won’t attack them. Once their shift ends, the command center assigns them a route back to base. So, sneaking into the base is very unlikely, but not impossible. Some agents have tools that can fool the smart programs and get them inside.”

Xie Han managed a bitter smile and pushed these forbidden zone problems aside for the moment. They weren’t issues to be solved right now. He pulled up a chair, slapped at the scattered documents, and sat down with a serious expression. “Since we’ve set up a temporary camp here, someone has to stay and oversee everything, manage the camp for now. Qiang, this job has to go to you. Chen Liu and I have special statuses back at base, and if we’re gone too long, it’ll cause trouble.”

Xu Qiang understood without needing to be told. “Don’t worry, Captain. Leave it to me.”

Xie Han nodded. “I’ll leave half the team with you, including five armored vehicles. Your job is to get this place into proper shape, able to accommodate a few hundred people. Also, inventory all the supplies on the trucks. These are our resources for the future.”

Chen Liu added, “Qiang, Xie and I can’t come here every day. My men are used to running around, risking their lives. I’m counting on you to keep an eye on them. Don’t let them wander into the forbidden zone.”

Xu Qiang nodded. “Don’t worry, Chen Liu. They’re not idiots—they know how dangerous it is in there.”

Xie Han and Chen Liu couldn’t stay long. After giving Xu Qiang further instructions, they checked the time—it was almost noon. Since they’d only brought some steamed buns and rations, the two of them made do with a quick meal, then took half the men, eight Humvee Kings, and three heavy trucks and left the temporary camp.

Before leaving, Xie Han pulled Xu Qiang aside and shoved the map of Wangtian City into his hand, pointing to a marked manufacturing facility. “If possible, I hope you can move all the machines from here to the camp.” This factory was crucial for the development of a modern electronics plant. Once upgraded, its machine tools would be able to produce a wide range of goods. Xie Han was determined to secure it.

Xu Qiang’s military nature made him ask no questions. He simply took the map and carefully tucked it into his pocket.