Chapter 18: Our Whistleblower

“After a month of rigorous verification,” announced one of the meeting’s hosts, Jinghong Song, “the research team unanimously agrees that the Zerg gene concept and the theory of the Zerg biological threat proposed by Xingzhou He from Jingcheng University of Science and Technology are fundamentally valid.”

“According to the Zerg evolutionary model, the population of Zerg organisms is expected to reach several million within ten years; it will expand to tens of billions in twenty years! Within thirty to fifty years, Zerg organisms will dominate the entire biosphere of Blue Star!”

As he read the report, everyone listened intently.

“At present, our research on Zerg organisms remains rudimentary. We can conclude that the Zerg are a form of advanced intelligent life. Among them, the mutated Black Snapper II variant has been confirmed to understand human language, possesses the intelligence of a human child, and continues to evolve.”

“Their biological structure is entirely different from native Blue Star lifeforms. They possess biological weapon organs, making conventional thermal weapons only marginally effective. According to the evolutionary model, it is highly likely that highly advanced Zerg creatures capable of countering humanity’s large-scale thermal weapons will emerge…”

When Jinghong Song finished reading the preliminary findings, all the senior officials present could no longer remain composed.

“So, this so-called Zerg species will compete with humans for the Blue Star ecosystem?” the military commander inquired.

“Yes,” nodded Song. “We have detected similar Zerg genes in many marine species, though these genes are currently dormant. Once they reach a certain developmental threshold, they begin to mutate. Radiation and nuclear wastewater accelerate this mutation process.”

Director Weimin Cui of the Security Bureau added, “Several countries worldwide are secretly discharging nuclear wastewater into the oceans. This could very well expedite their mutation!”

“Exactly!” Song emphasized. “Especially island nations near our borders. In the next twenty years, those areas may become epicenters of devastation!”

“China, indeed all of humanity, is facing the greatest crisis in recorded history!”

“Since you have preliminarily verified these findings, does the Academy of Sciences have any countermeasures to nip this crisis in the bud?”

Song replied, “Leadership, our understanding of the Zerg remains extremely limited. We can only confirm the existence of this unique organism and its tremendous threat to humanity.”

“As for how to kill them, or contain and control them, those solutions are still under research!”

Cui proposed, “Comrades, I suggest we immediately elevate this matter to China’s highest-level security crisis and mobilize the nation’s resources for preparation and defense. We cannot wait until decades from now when Zerg creatures have overrun the planet and threaten public safety to take action!”

The military leadership agreed, “I concur. From now on, adversity breeds vigilance, and complacency breeds downfall. We must begin preparations immediately.”

“The emergence of the Zerg is a wake-up call! We must respond with absolute commitment and determination!”

“I hereby announce the immediate establishment of a specialized Zerg Disaster Response Task Force!”

“This task force will be led by comrades Qing Kong, Peng Qin, and Weimin Cui, with the highest operational authority to mobilize military, scientific, and state enterprise resources for Zerg disaster response.”

The three leaders were eminent figures: Qing Kong, an eighty-year-old esteemed academician of the Academy of Sciences, renowned for his prolific scientific contributions; Weimin Cui, a key Security Bureau official; and Peng Qin, a military leader with authority to deploy armed forces.

“This is not only a mission but a solemn responsibility! Comrades, you must accomplish this task!”

“Thank you for the trust. We will complete this mission!” the three stood and saluted.

They all felt the immense weight on their shoulders. This was a national burden, and failure was not an option.

…

That very day, the Zerg Disaster Response Task Force began immediate preparations and assembly.

At the meeting, Qin Peng spoke first: “Comrades, as the art of war teaches, knowing oneself and the enemy ensures victory. I still lack sufficient knowledge about the Zerg and hope to obtain more information.”

“In organizational terms, I will oversee military operations. For other areas, I hope the two of you will provide guidance and support.”

“Understood,” Cui said. “This is a daunting task, and we must fully cooperate. We should consult experts. The Academy of Sciences should provide us with plans and suggestions.”

Qing Kong nodded, “I will convene an Academy meeting immediately to develop several effective strategies as soon as possible.”

“By the way, Director Cui, there is one person you must bring in. He’s our whistleblower,” Qing Kong reminded.

“Is that Xingzhou He?” Cui guessed.

“Yes,” said Kong. “Though young, his Zerg gene evolution model has left us scholars deeply impressed.”

“He is very knowledgeable in this area and might offer valuable ideas and information. I have decided to include him in our response team as a scientific advisor.”

“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures,” Cui said. “We don’t know when this Zerg crisis will erupt. Every minute counts. I will dispatch people to bring him here immediately.”

Cui promptly made calls to begin arrangements.

At the university, Xingzhou He was still attending class.

Today’s lesson was quantum physics, and He listened attentively. Since acquiring his quantum light brain, his thinking speed had greatly improved, allowing him to quickly absorb and understand vast amounts of information.

With less than ten minutes remaining before class ended, some students eagerly prepared to head to the cafeteria.

Outside Jingcheng University of Science and Technology, a special police unit arrived at the campus gates.

A contingent of fully armed SWAT officers disembarked, their rifles imposing and intimidating.

“SWAT? Why are they here at our school?” students at the gate whispered in curiosity.

One attempted to take photos but was stopped by an officer who said, “Students, we are on a mission. Please refrain from taking pictures. Thank you for your cooperation.”

“Okay, I won’t,” the student quickly put away their phone.

“Not only SWAT,” others noticed that among the convoy was a distinctive black military jeep that drove directly onto campus. The SWAT seemed to be guarding it.

What startled them even more was the vehicle’s license plate—or rather, the lack thereof. Instead, four large characters read: “Special Passage.”

“What kind of license plate is that? Why no numbers?” a curious student asked.

“Special Passage!” another exclaimed, “I’ve heard that when national key units carry out missions, they use this plate. Vehicles with it can move freely anywhere in the country, unrestricted by traffic laws!”

“Such a plate exists? Wow! Whoever is in that car must be a big shot!” The students’ curiosity soared. “Who could it be? What are they doing at our school?”