Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 198：Navigation System

The vast international waters of the Pacific, beyond the jurisdiction of any nation.
Today, the sky is exceptionally clear, and the sea is as calm as a mirror.
A few seagulls are soaring high above, gliding gracefully as they search for prey.
The long flight has begun to wear them out, and just as they are growing tired, they spot a ship approaching not far off.
Without hesitation, they land on the ship's railing.
With sharp eyes, they scan the ship, noting that two figures stand on the deck, seemingly engaged in conversation.
"Professor Zhu, our Dragon Country's Antarctic expedition has been quite fruitful!"
"Yes, once we return and analyze the samples we've gathered, I believe we will gain a much deeper understanding of Blue Planet!"
"By the way, Captain Ma, have the specimens been safely stored in the freezing chamber?"
"Rest assured, Professor Zhu, the freezing chamber is set to minus 20 degrees; everything is perfectly preserved and will be safely transported back to Dragon Country!" Captain Ma Yong assured.
"That's good to hear. How many days until we reach Dragon Country?" Professor Zhu asked.
"About ten days, depending on the weather," Captain Ma replied.
Just then, as the seagulls eavesdropped on their conversation, they suddenly noticed two dark specks on the horizon.
The specks grew larger with incredible speed, resembling sharks cutting through the water.
Sensing an imminent threat, the seagulls swiftly took flight, soaring high into the sky, where they circled warily in the air currents.
Standing on the deck, Captain Ma, too, observed the approaching figures.
"It seems we have some trouble approaching. Professor Zhu, please return to your cabin," he said calmly.
"Who are they?" Professor Zhu asked, his voice tinged with anxiety.
"They're likely pirates, but don't worry—we'll manage," Captain Ma replied with confidence.
After escorting Professor Zhu back to his cabin, Captain Ma headed to the bridge and spoke into the intercom.
"Pirate ships sighted! All crew members, report to the deck immediately!"
Within moments, over 28 crew members had gathered on deck.
Of them, 10 were naval personnel, assigned to ensure the safety of the Antarctic research team, while the other 18 were regular crew members.
Though Captain Ma wasn't a military man, he had served as a captain for nearly twenty years and had encountered pirates on several occasions.
These pirates typically targeted merchant vessels, seeking material wealth and riches.
They had no interest in research ships, as they were often government-owned and could provoke serious international repercussions—pirates rarely dared to attack such ships, as it could lead to their own destruction.
Thus, Captain Ma was confident that, with 10 armed naval officers facing the pirates, they would likely abandon their assault.
"Deploy the anti-pirate net, prepare the water cannons..." Captain Ma issued a series of commands, urging the ship to move at full speed, hoping to shake off the pirates.
But the dark specks closed the distance rapidly, like sharks closing in on their prey.
The first mate, observing the situation, quickly informed Captain Ma.
"Captain, those aren't pirate ships—they're military vessels from the Beautiful Country!"
"Military ships?"
Captain Ma grabbed his binoculars and, to his surprise, spotted the flag of the Beautiful Country and the unmistakable shape of a warship.
He was baffled. Why would a Beautiful Country warship appear in this area?
This was international waters—why were they chasing down a research vessel from Dragon Country?
The warships' speed far surpassed that of their research vessel, and in no time, the Beautiful Country ships had caught up.
Then, a loudspeaker from one of the warships blared across the water.
"This is the military ship of the Beautiful Country. We suspect your vessel is carrying contraband. Please prepare for inspection!"
Captain Ma responded immediately, speaking into his own loudspeaker.
"We are the Antarctic research vessel of Dragon Country. There are no contraband items aboard!"
The Beautiful Country's commander, unrelenting, replied through the loudspeaker.
"Submit to our search, or you will not be permitted to leave!"
Captain Ma, who had been a ship captain for twenty years, had never encountered such a situation—being ordered to submit to a search in international waters!
Furious, he retorted,
"This is international waters! The Beautiful Country has no right to search our vessel!"
He then turned to his first mate, ordering him,
"Send a signal to Dragon Country, informing them of our situation."
The first mate quickly sent out the distress signal to Dragon Country.
As soon as the signal was received by the Dragon Country navy, it was immediately reported to the naval command.
"Captain Ma, the signal has been sent," the first mate confirmed.
"Good!" Captain Ma replied.
"What should we do now?" the first mate asked.
"We continue on our course. I don't believe they will risk using force against us!"
However, less than two nautical miles into their journey, the ship's navigation system suddenly failed.
The officer aboard the Beautiful Country's warship then called out again.
"You're using our Beautiful Country's navigation system, which we have now deactivated! Submit to our inspection, or you will not be allowed to leave!"
Captain Ma's brow furrowed in frustration. The Beautiful Country was the only country with an operational navigation system on Blue Planet, and their research vessel was currently using that system.
As a seasoned captain, Captain Ma knew the critical importance of navigation.
Out on the open sea, without it, they would be utterly lost.