The Route Ahead

Jake Tenorio turned around to see the highest-ranking federal officer among the prisoners of war who had been rescued from the camp, Colonel Peter of the ground-based Air Force. This typical gentleman officer, although unable to lead everyone out, had gained the trust and affection of all the soldiers in the camp with his concern for them.

"Of course, please have a seat, Colonel," Jake smiled and said.

"Thank you, please forgive my presumption," the Colonel replied.

The Colonel was very aware of his position and did not act bossy just because of his high rank. After being rescued from the prisoner of war camp by the Special Reconnaissance Brigade, he had been cooperating with the management of the captured federal soldiers and had performed quite well.

Jake was always happy to communicate with people like him. Moreover, with everyone in turmoil and the need to calm emotions, he had to work together with Colonel Peter. After all, as the commander of this temporary army, he just wanted to ask what troubles they had encountered. Maybe he could help a little bit.

Peter sat down and asked tactfully, "You know, Lieutenant, what troubles have you encountered? After all, you are the commander of this temporary army, and we must work together to calm everyone's emotions."

Jake did not hide anything and told Peter everything about the situation. He handed over the simulation results and calculation process to Peter.

At first, Peter was a little surprised. In his opinion, it was hard to understand why a deputy platoon leader of a special reconnaissance team would use a mechanical computer to simulate a large-scale battle situation in a cave in such a serious manner. But after he carefully examined the simulation and conducted the calculation himself, he remained silent for a long time. Finally, he looked up and said, "Lieutenant, I have to admit that although I don't understand how you came up with this simulation, the possibility of this situation happening is very high according to the data. You are an incredible special forces soldier. Perhaps, the Federal Military Department made a mistake by not placing you in the combat command headquarters. You are fully capable of being a combat staff officer."

Jake smiled bitterly and said, "It's an honor to receive your praise. But the important thing now is how to send this simulation to the frontline command headquarters. I don't want the predicted situation to happen. Otherwise, the Federation will suffer unbearable losses, and we will probably have to stay here for the rest of our lives."

"And..." Jake said with a wry smile, "Can we call each other by our first names instead of 'Sir'?"

Peter laughed and said, "Okay, Lieutenant. If you want to call me Peter instead of sir, I'm happy to not use formal language with you." He stood up and continued, "Apart from me, there are also two excellent military staff officers among us. I think they should also see this simulation. After all, no matter what decision is made, the responsibility should not be borne by you alone."

This sentence touched Jake's heart. He was very grateful to have such an understanding leader in this fugitive team. Although this leader was too gentle and gentlemanly, he was overall a trustworthy person.

The opinions of the two military staff were very different. One strongly agreed with the results of the simulation, while the other held a completely opposite view.

The opposing view was sharp. A staff major named Pierce could not believe that a single airdrop could take down both the army base at Ascendant Canyon and the air force base on the left side of the canyon. Moreover, several military airports in Radiance city were within the patrol range, and the advantage of the space fleet could not be easily lost. The carrier battle group on top of Radiance city's airspace could reinforce at any time. How could a special forces unit take down two bases with such a well-established defense system? It's impossible. Pierce laughed and said that even if the special forces unit was an entire division, it still wouldn't work.

Another operational staff named Caleb agreed with Jake Tenorio's simulation and refuted Pierce's questions one by one. The two argued passionately and drew the attention of everyone around them, regardless of whether they understood the simulation or not. The atmosphere in the tunnel was livelier than the operational staff department.

Despite the arguments, everyone agreed that with the proactive retreat of the various city empires, the enemy's losses in troops were not significant, and they could gather at any time. The federal attack would be very difficult to reach the area of this hideout in a short period.

To stay or to leave, opinions were divided.

Regardless of whether this simulation is accurate or not, the question has been presented to us. Transmitting the intelligence to the front line will inevitably expose our team's location, no matter how it is sent. If we send someone, as soon as they are discovered, imperial forces will come to the area and conduct targeted reconnaissance with military satellites, exposing the hideout in broad daylight. Using CyberHawk poses the same problem, as the signal transmission would also expose our location. Moreover, if the simulation is intercepted by the enemy, they may take action beforehand.

A lieutenant from an armored division spoke up, "It's all talk. Send the simulation to the front line and let them decide whether to believe it or not. We'll figure out our own way. We're all survivors, and I'm not afraid to lose my life again."

The arguing in the hideout suddenly quieted down as everyone faced a life or death decision. Their expressions were all somber.

Peter looked at Jake Tenorio, who remained silent and asked, "Lieutenant, you saved all of our lives, and now we are entrusting our lives to you. Can we make it out on our own?"

Jake shook his head and said, "No! This hideout is four hundred kilometers away from the current federal-controlled area. Unless we are all using mecha suits, there is no way we can make it there."

A sigh went up from the crowd.

Although everyone had expected this answer, hearing it directly from the special reconnaissance lieutenant who had worked miracles still left them disappointed.

"However..." Jake finally decided to voice his long-held plan, which was difficult to achieve for a deserter with no commanding experience and a group of escapee prisoners armed only with light weapons. But when all other options had been exhausted, no matter how difficult the remaining path may be, they must take it.

"We can attack here first to obtain the equipment we need," Jake Tenorio opened up the electronic map and pointed to a coordinate for everyone to see.

"Isn't this the logistics base that Captain Rashid attacked a few days ago?" a soldier from the Special Reconnaissance Brigade recognized the coordinate and asked in confusion.

Jake nodded, "Yes, that's the one. As a logistics base, this location is crucial, as it is where the Empire's supplies pass through. This base is likely to be rebuilt, and even if it isn't, we can intercept a large amount of material here. If our speculation is correct, then this material will definitely contain mechas for us to supplement our equipment, and even if there are no mechas, there will be parts. At the same time, when we pass on the intelligence to the forward command, we will also ask them to insert themselves here, which will shorten the distance between us. Additionally, this location can receive air support. Although transport ships cannot land, fast armored fighters can coordinate with us."

After taking a big gulp of water handed to him by Isabella, Jake Tenorio continued, "I have run simulations on our route, and since the other members of our brigade attacked and returned from here a few days ago, we have detailed intelligence on this location, which makes the success rate higher. Now, with the participation of the Iron Legion, the special forces in the Federal hinterland have suffered heavy losses, and many of them have withdrawn to the Federal controlled area to rest. We will still take this route, even if we cannot catch them off guard, we can catch them by surprise."

As soon as Jake finished speaking, there was another round of debate.

Finally, Peter waved his hand to quiet down the discussion and asked Jake, "I believe in your simulation. What is the probability of success?"

Jake replied, "Thirty percent!"

"Enough!" Peter made a decisive decision, "Pack up the equipment, divide the teams, and get ready to go!"