novelTele Chapter 145 Saturation Information Transmission
Chapter 145 Saturation Information Transmission
Chapter 145 Saturation Information Transmission (7800 words)
Director Wang seemed to have anticipated everyone's reaction. He adjusted his glasses and continued in a calm voice characteristic of a scientist: "Although the satellite only operated for one hour, the information we gained in those sixty minutes was far more valuable than we initially expected, and far beyond the price we were willing to pay."
He turned on the projector on the wall, and moved his finger across the projection screen; the eight dots were still clearly marked.
"Besides Jiangcheng, we know of eight other outposts with large-scale survival facilities and strong disaster resistance capabilities. They are: Longcheng Shelter, Xinghuo Shelter, Shuguang Shelter, Steel Barrier, Shenlan Shelter, Kunlun Base, Yundian City, and Mingzhugang Shelter."
Each time a name is uttered, the corresponding point of light flashes. Behind each of these names lies a crucial node in the strategic planning of a nation before the catastrophe, a Noah's Ark preordained by civilization.
"During this brief communication window," Director Wang paused, as if every word needed careful consideration, "we were fortunate enough to make contact with six of them and conduct basic information verification and exchange of encrypted data packets."
The six points of light turned into a soft green: Dragon City, Dawn, Steel Barrier, Deep Blue, Kunlun, and Cloud Peak City.
"They all have their own problems to face, but the situation is still relatively optimistic. Order remains, and the flame of civilization has not been extinguished." Director Wang said in a heavy tone, "Food shortages, energy crises, zombie sieges, internal conflicts—every shelter has its own hell to traverse. But they have all made it clear that they are still holding on, still fighting, still trying to restore production, and still striving to maintain and expand the flame of civilization."
He took a deep breath and turned his gaze to the remaining two gray dots of light—Spark and Pearl Harbor.
"However, no information came from Starfire Shelter and Pearl Harbor Shelter. There were no response signals, no active calls, no response to our broadcasts, and not even any electromagnetic radiation consistent with the energy consumption characteristics of a large base. It was deathly silent there."
The word "dead silence" pierced everyone's heart like an icicle.
"There are many possibilities." Director Wang's tone regained the objectivity of a researcher. "The equipment was completely destroyed, the energy was completely exhausted, the communication center was destroyed, or for some reason we don't know, they deliberately chose to remain silent on the radio; of course, there is also the worst possibility—that there are no longer any living people there who need to communicate."
The classroom was so quiet you could hear the dust settling down. The soldiers' breathing became heavy, and Xu Mo could feel his heart pounding heavily in his chest. The two gray dots of light, like two festering wounds, were marked on the map of humanity's remaining remains.
"We cannot, and absolutely will not, allow ourselves to ignore the possibility of our compatriots' settlements simply because of uncertainty."
Director Wang's voice suddenly rose, carrying an almost tragic determination: "Fragile satellite communications have proven unreliable. A successful launch, a precious one-hour communication window, and then it crashes. We can't wait for another Jiangcheng-2," that might take six months, a year, or even longer. And our compatriots, in these uncertain days, might be heading towards despair, or—already falling into the abyss."
He looked around the audience, his gaze sweeping over every face, whether young or weathered.
"Therefore, after emergency consultations with the six shelters with which we had already made contact, we used that hour to not only exchange information but also to initially establish a collaborative framework for emergency situations. We jointly decided to launch a 'saturation information delivery' plan for Spark and Pearl Harbor."
"The plan is simple, but it requires immense courage and sacrifice." Director Wang pointed to the glowing dot on "Pearl Harbor." "We will dispatch one hundred independent messenger teams towards the Pearl Harbor shelter. We will fill any gaps in personnel tomorrow. Each team will consist of one person and one vehicle, carrying the same core information package, the latest situation briefing from Jiangcheng, encrypted communication protocols, and the 'Torch Watch Mutual Assistance Initiative' jointly signed by our seven shelters."
He then pointed to "Spark": "Meanwhile, the day after you set off, another batch of one hundred messenger teams will set off for the Spark Shelter, with the same configuration and the same mission."
"One hundred teams, one hundred possible different routes, one hundred independent attempts." Director Wang's voice echoed in the empty classroom. "There will always be a way to avoid the most deadly threat; there will always be a messenger who is lucky enough to cross this 3,500-kilometer road to hell; there will always be a message that will eventually reach the survivors of Pearl Harbor—if they still exist."
This is what "saturation" means. We no longer place our hopes on the success rate of a single path or a single team.
We use sheer numbers to combat the endless variables and deadly chances along the way. We acknowledge the vulnerability of individuals, but we believe that if we succeed even once out of a hundred attempts, the mission will be worthwhile.
Hearing this, Xu Mo gasped. One hundred people might never return. Gambling one hundred lives on a "possibility".
Xu Mo understood the logic behind it. In a post-apocalyptic world where information was cut off and the future was unknown, this was perhaps the only cold and rational method that could maximize the probability of success. This wasn't a gamble; it was a brutal calculation based on probability.
"You one hundred people are the first batch of messengers heading towards Pearl Harbor." Director Wang's gaze fell on the audience. "You will not act as a group. After obtaining the supplies and routes, you will each set off individually. Your only common goal is to head southeast, reach Pearl Harbor, and deliver the message."
"The criteria for mission completion are very clear: either any one of you returns to Jiangcheng with a valid response from Pearl Harbor;"
Either way, personnel dispatched by Pearl Harbor will arrive in Jiangcheng to verify the information using the tokens and codes you brought. If either option is met, the entire "Dandelion" operation's mission towards Pearl Harbor will be complete, and the remaining messengers who have not yet departed or are still en route will receive a recall order.
He paused for an even longer time, making his next words sound particularly heavy.
"If Jiangcheng has not received any valid information from you or any verified contact from Pearl Harbor after three months, then the command will assume that the first round of saturation delivery has failed and all messengers have perished."
"At that time, we will launch a second round of saturation delivery. We will send another hundred people, along possibly different routes, to set off again. This will continue until we confirm the situation at Pearl Harbor, until we can no longer send any more people, or until we confirm that it is a dead end."
"The process is exactly the same for the Spark Shelter."
The classroom was deathly silent. This wasn't a mission; it was more like a relentless, tragic information assault. The first wave was the vanguard, or perhaps the fallen scouts. The second, the third—until success, or until resources were exhausted.
"I know this sounds cruel," Director Wang's voice lowered, filled with deep weariness. "But please understand, this isn't about sending our people to their deaths. We've provided the best protection we can offer. And the purpose of doing this is not only to confirm the survival of the two outposts, but also to establish the first reliable, ground-based communication channel among us, the remaining sparks of civilization! Once this channel is established, its significance will be immense! It can transmit more physical information, technical samples, and even small-scale personnel exchanges and material assistance—things that satellites cannot carry! This is the first step in 'reconnecting civilization,' the key to moving from isolated islands fighting alone to a united disaster relief alliance!"
He raised his head, his eyes burning with an almost obsessive light: "For this possibility, to prevent any fire that might still be burning from going out due to isolation, to tell everyone who might still be holding on at Pearl Harbor and Spark—"
You are not fighting alone; humanity has not given up trying to contact you! This is the path we must try! This message we must send out! This is the mission you bear, heavy but glorious.
"That's all I have to say." Director Wang nodded slightly. "Next, Minister Liu from the Logistics and Equipment Department will give you a detailed introduction to the supplies, equipment, and route planning for this mission."
Director Wang stepped aside, and a slightly overweight, capable-looking middle-aged man, also in military uniform but with a more administrative air, quickly stepped forward to the front.
He opened another thick folder, speaking quickly and clearly, clearly knowing the contents by heart.
"Comrades, this is Liu Jianmin. Enough with the pleasantries, let's get straight to the point." Minister Liu's voice boomed, "The command will provide each messenger with the following basic support package one."
The projection behind him changed to a graphic and textual list of supplies.
"First, the vehicles. Each person will receive a modified second-generation military off-road vehicle. The main modifications include full bulletproof glass, a reinforced chassis and suspension to handle complex road conditions, a steel front bumper, and an expanded fuel tank capacity of 180 liters (main and auxiliary tanks). Roof racks and tarpaulins are standard equipment. The vehicles have been inspected and are in good condition. This is your most reliable mobile fortress."
Many people in the audience, especially the soldiers, showed a hint of satisfaction in their eyes. The second-generation military off-road vehicle is indeed the top-of-the-line off-road equipment that can be produced under the current conditions.
"Second, survival supplies. The standard package includes three months' worth of high-calorie field rations and compressed dry rations for one person, sufficient drinking water purification tablets and emergency water storage bags, a single tent, sleeping bag, moisture-proof mat, spare clothing for all seasons, and personal hygiene products. The medicine kit includes broad-spectrum antibiotics, hemostatic and anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers and fever reducers, gastrointestinal medicines, water purification tablets, and a basic first aid kit, etc."
"Third, navigation and information." Minister Liu switched to a picture showing a heavy waterproof bag.
Each person received a high-precision paper atlas containing the entire mission area, as well as a military-grade ruggedized tablet computer pre-loaded with offline maps and a limited geographic information database. The tablet computer was solar-powered and included a built-in simple compass and barometer.
Note: The map marks several main suggested routes and alternative routes from Jiangcheng to Pearl Harbor, but also clearly marks known extremely dangerous areas, such as large urban ruins, suspected nuclear, biological, and chemical contamination areas, and radio-quiet zones.
"The map also marks the approximate locations of seventeen emergency supply points that may exist along the route, either pre-planned before the disaster or secretly established by the Jiangcheng reconnaissance team afterward." Again, the emphasis is on "may" and "approximate locations"! The condition of these supply points is completely unknown; they may have been looted, destroyed, abandoned, or even occupied by dangerous creatures or hostile forces. Whether to search for them and how to use them is up to you to decide.
Xu Mo's eyes flickered slightly. The supply point was a glimmer of hope, but it could also be a deadly trap.
"Fourth, weapons and self-defense." Minister Liu's tone became serious. "Each person will be issued two Type 95 automatic rifles, four fully loaded magazines with 1,000 rounds of ammunition, one Type 92 pistol, two magazines with 300 rounds of ammunition, and one bayonet."
"Ammunition supplies are limited, so use them sparingly. In addition, each person will be issued four defensive grenades and two smoke grenades. Your mission is to relay information, not to conduct mopping-up operations. If you encounter an insurmountable threat, your primary objective is to use vehicle mobility to escape, hide, and survive."
Xu Mo secretly shook his head at the equipment configuration, but then he nodded in agreement. The other party was right; the main mission this time was to transmit information, not to engage in combat. If danger arose, they could simply use a vehicle to escape.
"Fifth, identification and negotiation credentials." Minister Liu displayed several items: a special metal identification tag engraved with a number and the words "Jiangcheng Shelter Messenger"; several joint documents stamped with the steel seal of the Jiangcheng Management Committee and the electronic seals of the seven shelters; and a sealed metal information cylinder with a self-destruct device, in which core information is stored.
"Identity tokens and official documents might be somewhat useful when encountering other human survivor factions, but don't rely on them entirely. In the apocalypse, the law has collapsed, and the effectiveness of these things varies from person to person."
"Sixth, the vehicle will be equipped with two additional 50-liter military fuel tanks, a set of basic repair tools and tire repair tools, as well as a small number of easily damaged parts. With 180 liters of main and auxiliary fuel tanks plus 100 liters of spare fuel, the theoretical range is over 1,500 kilometers, but the fuel needed for the subsequent journey will be something we will have to figure out ourselves."
Minister Liu closed the folder, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room: "Finally, here are some important warnings based on preliminary reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. Listen carefully, remember them, they could save your lives!"
"Never attempt to cross or enter the core ruins of any large city, especially megacities with a pre-disaster population exceeding five million. The zombie density, mutation levels, and environmental complexity there far exceed your imagination. We lost three of our most elite reconnaissance teams, only to return with one bloody conclusion: that's a death trap! A lair of evolved monsters! Go around it, even if it means traveling hundreds of kilometers!"
"Treat all survivors outside the Jiangcheng system with caution. We don't know what kind of human groups we'll encounter along the way."
There may be shelters that still maintain order and goodwill, or there may be gangs that have completely fallen and live by looting and killing, or even some kind of twisted organization. Do not easily reveal your mission, equipment, or supplies. Trust must be built with extreme caution.
"Pay attention to changes in the natural environment and emerging threats. Some blurry images transmitted back by the satellite before its crash showed inexplicable anomalies in the topography and vegetation of certain areas. Rivers have changed course, and the climate may be becoming more extreme in some areas. Also, in addition to zombies and known mutated animals, be aware of things that do not resemble the original species. We suspect that the root of the catastrophe may have brought about more profound changes."
"Keep a record of information. If possible, use a tablet or a notebook to record your route, any unusual situations you encounter, resource points, types of threats, etc. If you unfortunately perish, these records may serve as warnings or clues for those who follow. Of course, if you succeed, these will be invaluable first-hand information."
After Minister Liu finished speaking, he let out a long sigh: "That's all I wanted to say. Now, if you have any questions, please ask."
There was a moment of silence in the audience. The mission framework was already clear to the point of being brutal, the supply list was clear, and the warnings were alarming enough. It seemed there was nothing left to ask.
A soldier sitting in the front row raised his hand, stood up after receiving the signal, and said in a firm voice, "Report! If we encounter other messenger teams along the way, can we temporarily form a team to cooperate?"
Minister Liu looked at Commander Zhang and Director Wang, and Commander Zhang nodded.
Minister Liu replied, "In principle, we neither encourage nor prohibit it. The mission requires you to act independently in order to minimize risk. However, if you happen to meet en route and need to cooperate temporarily for survival, the command will understand. But each of you must keep the core information cartridge safe, and the ultimate mission objective remains unchanged. Remember, you are messengers, not combat units."
Several other people asked questions about specific route selection and the confirmation code when encountering supply points set up in Jiangcheng.
After answering all the questions, Minister Liu looked around the room and asked, "Any more questions?"
No one raised their hand.
"Okay." Minister Liu nodded and looked at Commander Zhang.
Commander Zhang returned to the front of the stage, holding a stack of documents. "Since there are no further questions, we now need everyone to sign a few documents."
Staff began distributing documents, with each person receiving two copies. One copy was the "Dandelion Project Voluntary Participation and Confidentiality Agreement," which detailed confidentiality obligations, task requirements, and the clause stating "I acknowledge and voluntarily assume all risks."
The other document is the "Agreement on the Handling of Accidents and Rights of Mission Personnel".
Commander Zhang's voice was calm and solemn: "The latter agreement, commonly known as a will, requires you to clearly specify who will inherit or receive your contribution points account balance in Jiangcheng, your private property, and any compensation and rewards you may receive upon completion of the mission should you perish during the mission. It also requires specifying how your belongings left in your Jiangcheng residence should be handled. This is procedure, and it's also an explanation to you and those you care about."
"You have time to fill out this form. The beneficiary can be a relative, friend, or comrade-in-arms, or it can be donated to the command headquarters as a public fund. Think it through, write it clearly, and then hand it to the staff. After that, you can return to your lodgings to make final personal preparations. Tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM sharp, assemble at Military Warehouse No. 3 in the west of the city to collect your vehicles and all supplies, and decide on your respective departure times. All messengers must depart no later than midnight tomorrow night."
The only sound in the classroom was the scratching of pens on paper; the atmosphere was so heavy it was almost stagnant.
Xu Mo held the pen, looked at the beneficiary column, and remained silent for a moment.
He had no relatives in this world. Wang Meng, an old friend from Qingsong Ridge, was elusive and could not be considered a reliable friend. Zhang Yun, the retired female soldier who still tried to maintain her integrity and warmth in the apocalypse, the partner who was worried about his poor condition and suffered from insomnia, and the companion who, when she learned of his decision to leave, saw a flash of disappointment in her eyes but still wished him a safe journey.
Xu Mo saw Zhang Yun's forced smile and heard her soft words, "You must come back safely."
Xu Mo picked up his pen and neatly wrote "Zhang Yun" in the beneficiary column. He also noted in the property disposal opinion that Zhang Yun had full authority to dispose of the inner city courtyard, all items within it, and all remaining contribution points.
This might be the last thing he could leave for his short-lived partner before he left.
He signed his name and number: Xu Mo, 802561.
Handing the two signed documents to the approaching staff member, Xu Mo felt a strange sense of relief. It was as if a burden had been lifted, allowing him to focus more intently on the road ahead.
Leaving the information command center building, the sunlight outside was a bit dazzling. Xu Mo didn't linger and went straight back to his small courtyard in the inner city.
Pushing open the courtyard gate, looking at the courtyard where he hadn't actually lived for long, yet had already left many traces of his life, Xu Mo felt a surge of emotion.
This was the first "home" he found in the post-apocalyptic world after his transmigration, a safe haven where he could cultivate in peace and rest temporarily. Unfortunately, stability has always been the most luxurious thing in the post-apocalyptic world.
Xu Mo didn't have much time for reflection and quickly began packing his personal belongings.
Most of the survival supplies will be available for collection tomorrow; he only needs to bring his personal, essential items.
Several sets of clothes suitable for outdoor activities, some personal tools such as a multi-tool, a high-powered flashlight, a flint and steel, and a water bottle. Of course, most importantly, he had his gun.
AK-47 and several magazines, Barrett and special ammunition, as well as TT33, machete and bayonet.
When Xu Mo's gaze fell upon the slender, cold AWM sniper rifle standing against the wall, and the small box of matching .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition next to it, Xu Mo paused.
Should we bring it along? Having an extra high-precision long-range weapon seems to offer an extra layer of protection.
But after thinking about it, Xu Mo shook his head in the end.
The Barrett's power and range far exceed those of the AWM, giving it a greater advantage in dealing with potential heavily armored self-propelled projectiles or threats at extremely long ranges.
The two have some functional overlap, and carrying two large-caliber sniper rifles and their special ammunition is a considerable burden on storage space and weight. Although there is storage space, it is better to make better use of resources than to have extra redundancy.
More importantly, Xu Mo thought of Zhang Yun. She was an excellent marksman, but she used a standard-issue rifle, this AWM.
Leaving it to her might be a lifesaver or a crucial tool for her to complete her mission in critical moments.
Since I've already named her as the beneficiary, leaving her one more practical weapon would be a more substantial gift.
Xu Mo carefully wiped the AWM clean and put it back, along with the box of ammunition.
After thinking for a moment, Xu Mo found another piece of paper, wrote "For Zhang Yun. Use with care, take care. —Xu Mo," and placed it under the gun.
After doing all that, Xu Mo looked around to make sure there was nothing else that needed special attention.
As night fell, Xu Mo went to bed early, needing plenty of rest to prepare for the long and unknown journey that was about to begin.
He slept surprisingly soundly that night.
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Xu Mo got up and, after everything was ready, drove his own SUV to the No. 3 military warehouse in the west of the city.
The warehouse was located near the western city wall of Jiangcheng, in a heavily guarded area. When he arrived, dozens of dark green SUVs were already neatly parked in the open space in front of the huge warehouse.
People were coming and going around the car. Some staff were doing final checks and registrations, while others, who had already received their cars, were loading their personal belongings onto them.
Major Li was standing at the warehouse entrance, exchanging documents with several officers. He saw Xu Mo get out of the car and walk over, and nodded.
The process was quick: verifying identities, signing for confirmation, and then Major Li took a car key with a dark blue serial number tag from a tray held by a soldier next to him and handed it to Xu Mo.
"Vehicle No. 56, everything is in the vehicle. Please check it yourself. You are free to use the roof rack." Major Li's voice was as calm as ever, but there seemed to be a hint of complex emotion in his eyes as he looked at Xu Mo.
"Xu Mo, take care. Make it there alive, and bring back news alive. Jiangcheng is waiting for your good news."
He didn't say anything more encouraging or sentimental, but Xu Mo felt the heavy expectations and entrustment he was carrying.
"I will do my best, Major Li," Xu Mo said solemnly as he took the keys.
Major Li patted him on the shoulder, said nothing more, and turned to greet the next arriving messenger.
Xu Mo found the SUV numbered 56. It was parked quietly in the middle of a row of cars. Its dark green body gleamed with a cold, hard luster in the morning light. The raised chassis, rugged bulletproof glass, and sturdy front bumper all demonstrated its reliable performance.
Upon opening the car door, a strong smell of new car, mixed with engine oil, rubber, and metal, wafted out.
The vehicle was spacious, with numerous cardboard boxes and waterproof bags bearing the Jiangcheng logo piled up in the driver's cab and back seats. On the passenger seat was an open box containing the issued tablet computer, document bags containing maps, official documents, identification credentials, and most importantly, the silver metal information tube.
The back seat and trunk were packed full: boxes of field rations, water, oil drums, toolboxes, tents, sleeping bags, and so on.
Xu Mo quickly checked the inventory, which basically matched the list. He closed the car door and began unloading his personal belongings. Backpacks and some odds and ends were stuffed into the remaining gaps in the car.
Finally, Xu Mo looked at the empty roof rack, turned around and went back to his old SUV. He still had a door to take with him.
Under the slightly surprised gazes of several people loading vehicles and passing by staff and messengers, Xu Mo placed the door horizontally on the roof rack of vehicle number 56.
"Brother, what are you doing—" A burly messenger nearby, who was packing his luggage, couldn't help but ask curiously, "Why are you carrying a door?"
Xu Mo smiled, offering no explanation, only saying, "I'm used to it; consider it a lucky charm."
He took out the securing ropes provided in the vehicle and began to carefully and firmly tie the door to the roof rack.
Seeing Xu Mo busy, a staff member nearby came over to help him tighten and secure the rope.
"Thank you," Xu Mo said to the staff member who helped him.
"You're welcome, sir—uh, comrade." The staff member scratched his head, glanced curiously at the door on the roof, but didn't say anything.
After securing the "door," Xu Mo did a final check of the vehicle's tire pressure, fuel gauge, lights, and other equipment. Everything was ready.
He got into the driver's seat and closed the door. The interior was well-sealed, blocking out most of the outside noise.
With a gentle turn of the key, "hum!"
The deep engine sounded smoothly, and the indicator lights on the instrument panel lit up one by one; everything was normal.
Xu Mo took a deep breath, feeling the power emanating from the steel vehicle beneath him. He rolled down the window and looked towards the warehouse entrance.
Major Li seemed to have finished most of the business and was standing there, his gaze sweeping over the convoy that was preparing to depart one after another.
When his gaze met Xu Mo's, Major Li nodded again, then raised his right hand and gave Xu Mo a standard military salute.
There were no shouts, no farewells, just a silent military salute.
Xu Mo nodded solemnly, then shifted gears, and the SUV slowly started moving.
The wheels rolled over the rough cement ground in front of the warehouse, making a soft, rustling sound. Xu Mo drove slowly toward the exit of the warehouse area.
Before and after him, the vehicles of other messengers started up one after another, the roar of engines rising and falling, forming a torrent ready to be unleashed.
Xu Mo took one last look at the majestic Jiangcheng in the rearview mirror, as it gradually receded into the distance. There lay the life he had just begun to get used to, people he could barely call friends, and a relatively safe and orderly society.
The next moment, Xu Mo withdrew his gaze, his eyes becoming firm and sharp, and he pressed down hard on the accelerator.
The engine let out a low growl, and the dark green SUV accelerated suddenly. The wind rushed in through the open windows, carrying the unique scent of the wilderness mixed with the smell of earth.
Ahead lies Pearl Harbor, 3,500 kilometers away.
The journey has begun.