Chapter Two: The Worst-Case Scenario

Regarding Jianglu Machinery Factory, Meng Longwei could find no reason to refuse attending this gathering. Based on his understanding of Jianglu, the factory’s products undoubtedly included armored vehicles, even tanks. If Jianglu harbored any ill intentions, the survivors who had appeared on the radio waves during prior conversations had already revealed ample information.

“We need a plan,” Zhao Qiang sighed. He was uncertain whether this decision would yield good or bad outcomes. In any case, there were still three days left, enough time to formulate a detailed and comprehensive strategy.

……

Changsha Prison, conference room.

“You agreed just like that?” Dr. Mei Qiu stared at Meng Longwei in disbelief. As the chief physician of the base, she was equally qualified to attend the meeting. After hearing the briefing about the communication, she could not comprehend why Meng Longwei accepted the other side’s invitation so easily. “We don’t even know who they are or whether what they said is true. What if— and I emphasize if— they mean us harm?”

“Since I made this decision, I will bear all possible consequences!” Meng Longwei said firmly. The decision had indeed been hurried, and proceeding without the majority’s approval could potentially endanger the entire base. But regardless of who was in his position, anyone in such circumstances might have made a similar choice.

“You? How can you bear the burden alone?” Mei Qiu replied. “We are a whole. Responsibility is not yours alone to carry. As the doctor here, I am responsible for every life in this place. And you, as the base’s leader, must ensure everyone’s safety—including your own! As a commanding officer, to be responsible for yourself is to be responsible for us all!” Mei Qiu’s voice grew passionate. To her, every individual and the collective in the base were precious. Hence, any decision that might affect the base’s future required a cautious and democratic vote.

Seeing the atmosphere grow tense, Zhao Qiang quickly intervened to ease the situation: “The real question now is how we respond to this issue, not who takes the blame. We have been sealed off for so long, once believing ourselves the only survivors in the world. Clearly, we were wrong—we underestimated the situation outside. Fortunately, we have made contact with other survivors. If it were me, I believe I would have made the same choice as Old Meng at the first opportunity.”

“Zhao is right,” Wang Baoquan said. As the eldest and highest-ranking military man at the base, he had not taken over prison management but quietly observed from the sidelines, occasionally offering his experience and advice. Everyone respectfully called him “Old Wang.” This did not mean he lacked influence; on the contrary, every suggestion he made proved effective in the end. “My stance aligns with Meng’s. Even if they harbor ill intentions, we have the capability to fight them.”

“Old Wang, I understand your point, but…” Mei Qiu began to concede upon hearing Wang Baoquan speak, though still uneasy.

Wang Baoquan smiled. The aged general was beyond the age of getting angry over a few words from young people. Instead, he admired those with their own thoughts. He extended his hand and tapped lightly in the air, saying, “Young ones, impatience in action is inevitable. Xiao Mei, I share your concerns, but we cannot abandon the entire forest because of a possible threat. As Chinese soldiers, and as human beings, we bear the responsibility and duty to ensure our species’ survival, not to vanish alone in distrust.”

Old Wang’s words struck everyone present deeply. Until then, most had only considered how their small group might survive or live better, never contemplating the future—the future of humanity.

“First, we must consider how to respond if what Comrade Mei fears actually occurs,” Old Wang said slowly, allowing time for everyone to digest his earlier words.

“I see no danger,” Zhang Yongming finally spoke. As the only person in the base capable of predicting the future, his every word carried weight, though he rarely spoke.

“Son, it’s not that I doubt your predictive gift—I quite envy it,” Wang Baoquan smiled. “However, when tackling a problem, we must prepare for the worst before seeking greater gains.”

“The worst-case scenario…” Wei Tao pondered for a moment. As the military commander, no one had a stronger voice on combat matters. “The worst case is going to war with Jianglu. Although we hope to avoid conflict, we fear no battle. As the saying goes, ‘Know yourself and your enemy, and you will never be defeated.’ Our knowledge of Jianglu is limited. Current intelligence suggests they may possess armored vehicles and tanks. Against such an enemy, our chances are slim. Of course, it’s possible their combatants are merely ordinary personnel without formal military training, which might reduce their effectiveness. But we cannot be certain. So, if fighting breaks out, we will face an enemy with superior firepower.”

“Likewise, we have our own advantages. Jianglu knows little about us and may underestimate us because of their overwhelming weaponry. My plan is to dispatch a small squad to covertly station around the base starting today. Should they launch a sudden assault, this squad can strike from behind, disrupting their command. If they show no overt hostility and take our contact personnel away, the squad will tail them covertly, acting as a hidden force to ensure our people’s safety. No matter what happens, this squad’s presence will maximize our benefits even in the worst case.”