=== PAGE 2 ===
America’s Change of Attitude and the Special Forces Raid
…
The research team at McMurdo Station was already on high alert. They had received intelligence warnings about the Japanese team’s defection.
Although the scientists there are civilians, the station is equipped with advanced military technology. Its radar system now operates at maximum power 24 hours a day, scanning for any movement on the silent ice shelf.
When Wu Bolin’s convoy appeared on the radar screen, the alarm immediately sounded.
The radio message was sent in a stern tone: “This is McMurdo Research Station. Approaching vehicles, please state your nationality, number of people, and destination.”
Kohei Kikuchi was shocked beyond belief.
“They detected us from tens of kilometers away?” he muttered in disbelief. “In a snowstorm like this, their radar must be fully operational.”
He immediately turned to Wu Bolin. “Teacher, the Americans are asking for our identities and destination. What should we say?”
Wu Bolin answered calmly, without opening his eyes.
“In this harsh polar region, what is the most plausible reason to contact a stranger?”
Kikuchi thought for a moment. “Asking for help. Everyone in Antarctica usually helps each other.”
“Exactly,” Wu Bolin said. “Tell them we need emergency assistance.”
Kikuchi immediately responded to the radio, claiming to be a member of a Japanese expedition that had experienced vehicle failure and had run out of supplies.
The American researchers at McMurdo are growing increasingly suspicious. The so-called traitorous Japanese team has suddenly come asking for help?
Without wasting any time, they immediately reported this incident directly to the Pentagon.
…
Surprise on the Plane
Back to the air base in South America.
Goro Watanabe and the entire Japanese negotiating team were already seated in the belly of the Hercules aircraft.
The interior of the military aircraft was very spartan. There were no plush seats, just mesh benches along the cabin walls. In the center of the room, two civilian snowmobiles were strapped securely to the floor.
They thought the plane’s doors were about to close. However, a commotion suddenly erupted.
A group of US Air Force personnel rushed into the cabin. Without a word, they untied the two civilian snowmobiles and roughly pushed them out of the plane.
Watanabe gaped. “What are they doing?”
Before he could ask, the next sight made him even more shocked.
Almost a hundred fully armed commandos marched into the plane with heavy steps.
They were dressed in full winter combat gear, with assault rifles slung across their chests. Their faces were covered by ski masks, leaving only their sharp eyes visible.
After the troops entered, the ground crew loaded new cargo: Four armored infantry fighting vehicles!
The atmosphere in the cabin changed drastically from a diplomatic mission to a war mission. The soldiers sat silently with deadly expressions.
Just then, the commander of the US military base stepped onto the plane.
Watanabe Goro immediately stood up and approached him in confusion.
“Commander, what actually happened?” he asked in a trembling voice.
The US polar commander stared at Watanabe with a grim and cold expression.
“We will invade Antarctica!”
Watanabe Goro exclaimed in shock, his eyes widening in disbelief.
“But… didn’t you say you wouldn’t send any soldiers?!”