Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 199：Rescue

The Maritime Bureau of the Dragon Country is responsible for all maritime affairs within its territorial waters, including incidents such as fishing vessels running aground, collisions, pirate attacks, and more.

After the Antarctic research vessel, the Antarctic No. 1, was intercepted by the military ship of the Beautiful Country, it sent a distress signal to the Maritime Bureau, reporting the situation. The call was quickly received by an operator, who immediately reported the issue to their superiors. Upon learning of the gravity of the situation, the leadership swiftly escalated the matter to Director Cao Gui of the Maritime Bureau.

Director Cao called the operator in to inquire about the details.

"At 14:38:52, I received a report from the Antarctic No. 1 at coordinates 68°33′S, 89°10′E in the South Pacific. They reported being intercepted by a military vessel from the Beautiful Country, which demanded permission to board for inspection..."

After hearing the report, Director Cao was enraged.

"Outrageous! This is international waters! What right does the Beautiful Country have to board our research vessel?"

However, he quickly regained his composure. He first contacted the National Antarctic Research Office to inform them of the situation.

"What? The Antarctic No. 1 has been intercepted by a military ship from the Beautiful Country?"

The head of the Antarctic Research Office could hardly believe it, as the vessel's route did not even pass through the territorial waters of the Beautiful Country. Then, suddenly, he recalled a conversation with Dr. Zhu, the leader of the Antarctic research team. Dr. Zhu had mentioned that their team had made a significant breakthrough that would greatly advance the Dragon Country's understanding of Blue Star. He immediately spoke urgently to Director Cao.

"Director Cao, our research team has made a crucial discovery! We cannot allow the military ship from the Beautiful Country to detain them!"

Although the Dragon Country had only begun its Antarctic expeditions less than thirty years ago, the research had already revealed the deep connection between Antarctica and the survival and development of humankind. From a scientific perspective, Antarctica offered unparalleled conditions for research. Its unique geographical location meant there was no atmospheric pollution, which made it an ideal place for observing celestial bodies. With its vast number of meteorites, it provided a rare base for studying the mysteries of outer space. Furthermore, Antarctica was a key source of the planet's atmospheric circulation and played an essential role in global climate changes. The frozen continent could still harbor extinct species from six million years ago, offering critical clues to the origin of life on Blue Star and providing scientific evidence to unravel the mysteries of Earth's evolution.

For these reasons, Antarctica was often referred to by scientists as the "Key to Unraveling the Secrets of Earth" and the "Natural Scientific Laboratory."

"Rest assured, I will ensure the Antarctic No. 1 returns safely to the Dragon Country!"

After discussing some additional details with the head of the Antarctic Research Office, Director Cao hung up the phone. He located the current position of the Antarctic No. 1 on the map—it was 3,800 nautical miles from Dragon Country waters. The fastest cruiser in their fleet could only travel 40 nautical miles per hour, meaning it would take at least four days to reach the location.

"I hope they can hold out!" Director Cao muttered. He then dispatched a cruiser and two military vessels to the area.

At this time, the Antarctic No. 1 was unable to establish contact with the Dragon Country Maritime Bureau due to signal interference from the Beautiful Country's military ship.

By 18:38:52, the Antarctic No. 1 had been in a standoff with the Beautiful Country's military vessel for over four hours. Ten naval officers aboard the research vessel, armed and vigilant, ensured the military ships did not attempt to board. The two military vessels from the Beautiful Country positioned themselves on either side of the Antarctic No. 1, effectively trapping the Dragon Country's research vessel.

With a speed of only 28 nautical miles per hour, the Antarctic No. 1 was unable to outrun the military ships. The Beautiful Country's vessels did not seem in a hurry, occasionally broadcasting demands for the research vessel to surrender. However, Captain Ma of the Antarctic No. 1 remained resolute, as Dr. Zhu had emphasized the importance of their Antarctic specimens—these were irreplaceable, and they could not afford to let the Beautiful Country seize them.

As time ticked on, the orange sun hung low in the sky, casting its last light over the sea. The ocean was bathed in golden hues, and the shimmering sunlight reflected off the waves, creating a vision of fiery beauty. Seagulls, which had been circling above the Antarctic No. 1, finally flew off into the sunset, vanishing into the fading light.

Eventually, the sun was swallowed by the ocean, and the sky turned gray. Fog began to roll in, darkening the space between the sea and the heavens. The moon slowly rose, casting a pale glow over the water, and a cool breeze filled the air. The sea became eerily silent, as though the entire ocean were in a deep slumber.

Suddenly, a loud bang shattered the tranquility of the sea, and two beams of bright light illuminated the Antarctic No. 1. The crew aboard the research vessel tensed, their anxiety palpable. The soldiers aboard the Beautiful Country's ships, seeing their reaction, broke into laughter.

The commander of the military vessels then shouted through a megaphone, "We advise you to surrender. The cruiser and two military vessels from the Dragon Country that were sent to assist you have had their navigation systems shut off by us. They are now lost at sea. Ha-ha..."