flstandardbreds Chapter 1174
Chapter 1174
"Most of those overseas Chinese were elderly, weak, women and children, and had no fighting ability. We had to protect their safety and deal with the enemy's attack, resulting in heavy casualties."
"Later, the waters near the land were divided up by various forces. They blockaded all ports and supply points, making it impossible for us to get close. Coupled with shortages of fuel and weapons, and frequent natural disasters, we could only struggle in the open ocean and were never able to return to our homeland."
"Later, we were also pursued by several forces." Qin Yue's eyes sharpened. "They coveted the supplies and weapons on our ship and did not hesitate to use heavy weapons to surround and intercept us. In order to survive, we had no choice but to abandon our return plan and break out towards the deep sea."
Although I knew that Captain Qin's fleet was overseas before the apocalypse and that the road back would be difficult, I did not expect it to be this difficult!
Captain Chen couldn't help but ask, "And then? Did you find an island where you could settle down?"
“The environment in the deep sea is even harsher.” Captain Qin sighed. “The compass and navigation system also failed one after another. We were completely lost in the ocean and didn’t know where we were. In those days, we were like headless flies, wandering around on the vast ocean, relying on the stars and ocean currents to determine our direction.”
"It wasn't until later that we were lucky enough to find an uninhabited island and settle down temporarily."
The island has fresh water and vegetation. We cleared the land and built houses, finally finding a temporary place to stay.
But this period of prosperity was short-lived. Less than two years later, the ocean swallowed the continent, the sea froze over, fish became extinct, and then sea levels rose. The small island, which had survived several earthquakes and fires, was eventually completely submerged by the sea, and we had to leave by boat again.
“Those civilian cargo ships were ones we encountered during our journey,” Qin Yue said, pointing to the convoy in the distance, his tone softening.
"Most of the people on board were Chinese civilians. Their ships were severely damaged in the apocalypse, and they were running out of supplies and on the verge of despair. We took them in because we saw that they were our compatriots, and we drifted at sea together with them."
These eight ships and over two thousand survivors are now the only remaining strength of our Kunlun fleet.
After listening, Chen Feng was filled with emotion.
It turns out that the Kunlun's experience was even more difficult than theirs!
Far overseas, caught in war, lost, and with their homes destroyed, each crisis could be enough to bring them to their doom.
Yet they persevered and have survived to this day with more than two thousand compatriots. Their perseverance and sense of responsibility are truly admirable.
The two speedboats drifted silently on the sea, both sides falling into silence.
Although the two fleets experienced different fates, the suffering and pain brought about by the apocalypse were the same.
After a long silence, Qin Yue broke the silence first, his eyes becoming serious: "Xiao Chen, I know that we are both soldiers and trust each other. But behind each of us stand thousands of survivors, and their lives cannot be compromised in the slightest."
Captain Chen nodded.
Qin Yue continued, "It's too risky for us to let everyone land on the island so rashly. If something goes wrong, the consequences would be unimaginable. I'm old, and I don't mind taking risks myself, but I can't let so many of my compatriots share the risk."
Captain Chen understood; he comprehended Qin Yue's concerns.
In the end times, people's hearts are unpredictable. Even if the two sides are talking amicably now, the possibility of future conflicts and contradictions cannot be completely ruled out.
The survival of thousands of people cannot be easily solved by simply saying "we are one of them".
"Captain Qin, what are your thoughts?" Chen Feng asked.
"I have a compromise," Qin Yue said. "We will not fully land on the island for the time being, but will first send an expedition team to the fortress to investigate your current living conditions."
Of course, you can also send an expedition team to board our ships for investigation. Our eight ships are open to all your inspection; we will not hide anything from you.
"Once both sides have a clear understanding of the situation and confirm that there are no problems, we will discuss the subsequent resettlement plan."
Captain Chen pondered for a moment and felt that the other party's suggestion made a lot of sense.
To be on the safe side, it is indeed necessary to conduct a thorough investigation before making a decision.
He nodded: "Captain Qin, you have considered this very thoroughly. I agree."
Qin Yue smiled with satisfaction: "Alright! Then it's settled. Each side will send twenty people to the expedition team, without heavy weapons, focusing on exchange and exploration."
“No problem,” Captain Chen said. “I will arrange the selection of the expedition team as soon as I get back.”
On the speedboat back, he kept thinking about the selection of members for the expedition team.
This investigation is of great importance; it requires both boldness and meticulousness, as well as the ability to accurately assess the other party's true situation.
Captain Ma is straightforward, reliable, bold yet meticulous, making him the most suitable candidate.
In addition, he wanted Dr. Zhou and Qi Mingyu to go along as well.
Dr. Zhou possesses an extraordinary talent; her perception far surpasses that of ordinary people, and no subtle abnormality escapes her notice.
If there's anything wrong with the other person, she'll definitely notice it immediately.
Qi Mingyu is exceptionally skilled, and the couple has a very good relationship; he can protect her safety at any time.
Upon returning to the fortress, Chen Feng immediately summoned Captain Ma, Zhou Shuwan, and Qi Mingyu, and explained the expedition mission to them.
"The main purpose of this inspection of the Kunlun is to understand their personnel composition, material reserves, ship condition, and true intentions."
Chen Feng looked at the three of them and said in a serious tone, "You must remember to maintain a friendly attitude, but also to be vigilant at all times. Don't easily believe what the other party says. If you find anything unusual, report it to me immediately. Under no circumstances should you act on your own."
"Understood!" the three said in unison.
Chen Feng nodded in satisfaction: "Good! The expedition team will depart early tomorrow morning. You all prepare well. Captain Ma, you are responsible for selecting the accompanying soldiers. Be sure to choose experienced and mentally strong elites. Dr. Zhou, try to keep a low profile. If you discover anything, inform Captain Ma immediately."
"Yes!"
That evening, Zhou Shuwan and Qi Mingyu packed their travel supplies together.
She took out a simple refrigerator made of ice from her storage space.
There were several square ice blocks inside.
This will slow down the melting of the ice, allowing her family to live more comfortably after she leaves.
"Wanwan, be careful this time when you go to the Kunlun." Zhong Tiyun looked at her worriedly. "Although the other side is the Chinese fleet, people's hearts are unpredictable in the apocalypse. Be careful in everything you do."
"Don't worry, Mom." Zhou Shuwan smiled. "Captain Ma is experienced, and Brother Yu is skilled. I'll be fine. Besides, you know my abilities. If anything goes wrong, I'll notice it immediately."
Zhong Tiyun nodded with a worried expression.
Qi Mingyu tucked a gleaming short knife into his waistband and carefully checked his emergency kit again.
It contained compressed biscuits, water purification tablets, first aid medicines, and a small protective plate made of boiling point alloy—all essential items for venturing out in the apocalypse.
He watched as Zhou Shuwan carefully tucked the ice-making refrigerator into the corner of the room, his brow furrowing slightly: "Wanwan, do we have enough ice at home? Should we take a few more pieces out of our spatial storage?"
Zhou Shuwan shook her head: "It's enough. This refrigerator's insulation can keep things warm for two days. We'll only need one day to go and check it out. By the time we get back, it definitely won't be completely thawed. As long as Mom and Dad and Mumu stay indoors and don't go out, the temperature will stay around 25 degrees Celsius, so they'll be fine."
"it is good!"