How to quickly deploy the mobile base is not a problem Chen Xin needs to consider.

He and the officer only discussed the possibility of using heavy helicopters like the Mi-12 to lift the mobile base from above, since the Mi-12 helicopter has a remarkable historical performance of lifting 40 tons. If there are five or six Mi-12 level helicopters, lifting the entire mobile base poses no issue.

It’s akin to the scene in movies where helicopters lift a handsome guy from Skull Island, with over a dozen heavy helicopters like the Mi-26, lifting a mobile base for quick deployment truly isn’t a problem.

If it’s really not feasible, Chen Xin thinks he might as well upgrade several heavy helicopters with sufficient takeoff weight dedicated to the mobile base to solve the problem.

Skipping over the deployment problem, everyone feels the mobile base is a very practical device.

Though not highly mobile, it provides excellent logistical support and regional assistance, which is very satisfying.

And after Chen Xin upgraded the original three land cruisers into mobile bases, their mission in Lucia was considered complete, and next, they were to bring back the lithium crystal and two mobile bases to return home.

However, the return journey is somewhat problematic. They came via train, and naturally would return the same way, but the two mobile bases obviously can’t travel with the train. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"Let the two mobile bases head south themselves. The mobile base has enough capability to traverse Siberia and return home. Let’s leave sufficient supplies for the two vehicles and make it a test journey along the way," Chen Xin suggested after considering.

Chen Xin certainly has enough confidence in the two mobile bases. After all, he painstakingly created the nuclear-powered mobile base, and if it can’t even return from Siberia, it would be quite embarrassing.

Of course, from the mobile base standpoint, it certainly can traverse from Siberia to Flame Country; the only concern is whether the crew can drive it back.

After all, aside from resource assurance, there’s no navigation or map on this road, and it’s a truly uninhabited region. Trying to drive back to Flame Country isn’t easy.

"I agree. If the mobile base follows the train, it has to detour through Kazakhstan, where we can’t get supplies. The train is fine; it didn’t take long to get here, and it could be even faster going back, but the mobile bases can’t keep up with the train’s speed. Better to let them take a direct route and head straight back," the officer agreed with the idea of not letting the mobile bases follow the train.

Seeing the officer agree, Chen Xin nodded and added, "And running this trip can also test the long-distance mobility of the mobile base, and we can comprehensively understand its performance.

But doing so still carries certain risks. If a mobile base malfunctions en route or the crew gets off course, the problem can be quite severe."

"I believe in our soldiers. They’re elite tank crews drawn from the armored division. Even without electronic navigation, they won’t get off course," the officer was fully confident in the soldiers he brought. It’s a basic skill for tank drivers: "And as for whether the mobile bases will break down en route, that’s why we’re testing. You can’t know if it will break without testing."

Hearing the officer’s confidence, Chen Xin didn’t hesitate further and said, "Let’s do it this way. We’ll split into two groups: the train will return the original path, and the two mobile bases will head south by themselves. I’ll return with the mobile bases, and if any problems arise on the road, I’ll be able to repair them and ensure they’re able to drive back home."

"Huh? This..." The officer, hearing Chen Xin’s plan, wanted to object, as Chen Xin’s importance far outweighs that of the mobile bases and soldiers.

But Chen Xin stopped him, "You can see these two mobile bases are safe; the only potential problem would be breakdown or running out of supplies en route, leading to starvation.

But with me there, even if it breaks, I can repair it on time to avoid such issues, so traveling by mobile base is safe."

The mobile base isn’t some small car or other vehicle; in terms of safety, it’s actually much safer than the train. The only issue is the lack of supplies onboard.

After careful consideration, the officer agreed with Chen Xin’s plan to return home with the two mobile bases.

However, he insisted on staying by Chen Xin’s side, requiring close protection for his safety.

Chen Xin couldn’t refuse this request and naturally agreed.

Just as they finished their discussion and completed the return plan, they unexpectedly received communication from Lucia.

——————————————

"What’s the situation? We’re thousands of kilometers from the nearest city, how are they contacting us?" The officer was astonished. Though ultra-long-wave and long-wave radio can communicate across thousands or tens of thousands of kilometers, they didn’t carry such long-distance communication equipment, so contacting them wasn’t supposed to be easy.

"It’s the Hai Zhu, they’re on return, and we’re within their communication range." The radio operator informed the officer: "But they say something happened in Lucia; they’re returning home for assistance."

Upon hearing this, both Chen Xin and the officer’s expressions changed, surprised and asked, "What happened in Lucia? Weren’t Hai Zhu and Xu Gou sent to support them? Why are they seeking help?"

"Hai Zhu reported a large-scale outbreak in Lucia’s capital. Lucia’s medical experts say it’s due to an ancient virus released from the melting Arctic glaciers, which modern immune systems cannot resist. This virus is spreading in several major cities and their capital. The situation is critical," the operator passed the information received from the Hai Zhu to Chen Xin and the officer: "Someone on Xu Gou has been infected, they’re staying in Lucia’s capital to assist and prevent the spread. Hai Zhu has no infections, which is why they’re returning home for help."

The operator paused, glanced at Chen Xin and the officer’s faces, then continued: "Hai Zhu hopes we can also offer them assistance."