"Catherine, set the course to the last known coordinates of the ’Traveler’ platform. Proceed at full speed and avoid Bug Race patrol units and debris fields along the way."

"Yes, sir." Catherine swiftly took her seat at the navigation and tactical command station, her hands flying over the control panel.

"Course setting complete, estimated time of arrival: 5 hours and 32 minutes. Due to our full crew complement, the ship’s mass has increased, leading to slightly decreased mobility. We will pass through four known Bug Race spore distribution zones and two asteroid debris belts, so navigating will require advanced planning."

During the journey, Bai E gathered all twenty team members and several dozen crew members responsible for operating the ship to the largest tactical planning area on board.

This area, originally a multifunctional cargo hold, had been temporarily converted into a war room.

A holographic projection displayed the detailed structural diagram of the ’Traveler’ platform, the target continental shelf area of Aisera III, and the currently known Bug Race unit types and activity patterns.

"Our mission is divided into two core phases, but will require full cooperation from everyone."

Bai E began bluntly, "The first phase is to ensure the safety of the ’Traveler’ platform and use it as our forward base and support point for operations within the star system.

The second phase involves using the ’Traveler’ as a springboard to execute reconnaissance and destruction missions on the suspected ’main nest prototype’ beneath the continental shelf of Jade Stone Star.

Given our full deployment and the limited size of the ’Traveler’ platform, clear division of responsibilities is necessary. Some will carry out core tasks, some will handle platform defense and support, and others may need to provide mobile support to other areas or perform ad-hoc tasks."

He looked at the group, starting to assign specific roles, dividing the twenty into three main teams:

The first group of 8 is mainly responsible for the direct defense of the ’Traveler’ platform, system maintenance, intelligence gathering, and liaising with the Star Alliance command. This group also serves as direct support and a backup for the second phase’s "deep-sea operation."

The leader is Catherine, responsible for overall decision-making, especially in dealing with significant threats and timing the second phase’s actions.

The second group, also 8 people, is the spearhead for high-risk missions.

Mainly responsible for actively engaging or countering approaching Bug Race fleets during the first phase and for infiltrating Jade Stone Star’s deep sea to execute the reconnaissance/destruction mission of the ’main nest prototype’ in the second phase.

The leader is Bai E himself, and during the second phase, he will personally lead this core group into the depths.

The third group of 4 is responsible for patrolling the outer space around the ’Traveler’ platform, early warning, clearing scattered Bug Race infiltration units, and if necessary, supporting the first and second groups or performing short-range mobile support tasks based on other distress signals received by the ’Traveler’.

The leader is Kuang Xin, responsible for leading the team in active patrols and rapid response.

"The assignments are not set in stone."

Bai E emphasized, "Depending on the actual battlefield situation, personnel may need dynamic adjustments. In the first phase, if the Bug Race fleet poses a significant threat, both the second and third groups will vigorously engage in defensive battles. If the threat is manageable, the second group will be responsible for proactively weakening or expelling the enemy, the third group for outer space vigilance, and the first group for holding the platform core."

"Once the ’Traveler’ situation stabilizes, we will immediately evaluate and start the second phase. Then I will personally lead 4 to 6 core members best suited for underwater environments from the second group for the deep-sea mission. The remaining personnel, including those of the second group not involved in deep-sea action, will reinforce the first and third groups, ensuring the platform remains secure during our absence and is always ready for a response."

He particularly looked towards Xiliu and the team members responsible for technology, "Xiliu, you’re responsible for completing all briefings on underwater adaptability and emergency signal training for team members involved in deep-sea action before arrival. Tech team, ensure all mechas, especially those possibly participating in underwater action, have their underwater modules and life-support systems in optimal condition."

"During the second-phase operation, underwater communication will be difficult. We will rely on preset signal systems and a strict timetable. Everyone must understand their duties and timepoints."

Bai E finally surveyed all twenty team members:

"This is not a game; there are no second chances. We are facing a survival crisis of an entire planet, even the star system. I demand from each of you to bring out the focus from training, the courage from the field, and the trust in your comrades to the fullest. We are a unit, twenty people, twenty mechas, but only one goal—to complete the mission and return alive together."

"Are you ready?"

"Always ready!" Twenty voices merged into a powerful and determined wave, echoing through the cabin of the ’Thorny Bird’."

With the end of the tactical meeting, team members quickly dispersed, each going to their respective posts.

The mech pilots headed to the mech preparation area for final equipment checks and status confirmations.

The ship’s own technical and logistic personnel also busied themselves with inventory checks and system calibrations.

Catherine stationed at the bridge, navigated the ’Thorny Bird’ skillfully, as it weaved through paths filled with debris and hazardous radiation like a silent swimming fish.

However, as Bai E had anticipated, this Star Domain was already steeped in the power of the Bug Race.

Less than an hour into the voyage, the first attack arrived.

"High-energy biological signals detected! A large number... emerging from the shadow zone of the asteroid belt at six o’clock direction!" cried the sensor monitor technician.