Chapter 12: Operation Falcon

Zhang Xingmin and his companions returned to the military headquarters, where they were settled at a nearby relocation site close to the base. Life once again regained its calm. Yet, the tranquility did not last long before it was shattered by a conscription order. Since the catastrophe, the army had been running at a deficit—short on supplies, medical provisions, manpower; in truth, there was scarcely anything not lacking. Under such circumstances, young and able-bodied men like Zhang Xingmin were bound to be drafted—there was no way around it. Escape was impossible; those caught attempting it would be treated as deserters.

On a bright, sunny day, Zhang Xingmin and his group reported to the recruitment office as instructed. The place was not overcrowded, for the conscription order was ongoing and replacements were recruited continuously. Even so, the atmosphere was solemn.

Before they stepped through the door, they heard a song playing inside—a rousing old war anthem dating back over a century, extolling the valiant spirit of warriors and calling men to arms.

In these extraordinary times, the procedure was simple. They finished their registration swiftly and began basic training as new recruits. One day, during a five-kilometer cross-country run at the training camp:

"Damn! I can't go on! I'm too old for this, really can't keep up with those young bucks," Zhang Xingmin gasped, exhausted and lagging behind, complaining aloud.

"Twenty-seven or twenty-eight is prime age! Quit whining. I'm over thirty and I haven't uttered a word of complaint," Yang Yichen shot back with a look of contempt while resting at the water station.

"That's right, Big Min! Look at Long—he's full of energy. And Xiaofeng's probably already at the next supply point," Zhao Nana, on duty at the supply station, chimed in, taking the opportunity to chat with familiar faces.

"Exactly! Move it, Big Min! Men don't say they can't!" Yang Yichen teased with a mischievous grin.

"Ugh, not this again!" Zhang Xingmin gathered his resolve and set off once more, not forgetting to tease Zhao Nana before leaving, "Come on, girl, join us!"

"I'm a woman, I don’t need to!" Zhao Nana replied with a smug air.

"But you’re a medic. If you can’t run fast, how will you rescue the wounded?" Zhang Xingmin challenged, half-joking.

Zhao Nana responded with a middle-finger gesture.

Another day, it was again the five-kilometer endurance run.

"You men, can't you wait for me?" Zhao Nana, breathless and despairing, called out to her teammates ahead.

Zhang Xingmin, Lin Xiaofeng, and Yang Yichen slowed their pace secretly but denied it, deliberately provoking her.

"Serves you right for being single!" Zhao Nana said through gritted teeth.

"Hey, no personal attacks!"

"Yeah, yeah!"

"You talk about us, but look at you—able to keep up with us men on a cross-country run, that's real skill. No wonder you're single!"

The new recruit training camp did not focus solely on physical endurance; it included shooting practice, weapon handling, theoretical operations, military theory courses, and, due to the extraordinary times, newly added modules—a complete guide to mutant creatures and cyborgs.

Because of the urgency, all courses were condensed, leaving little time for thorough learning. For Zhang Xingmin, Zhao Nana, and Lin Xiaofeng, all university graduates, it was manageable. For Yang Yichen, however, it was a struggle for survival.

Nevertheless, their efforts paid off. They completed the final assessment, all four passing their graduation exams. Though Yang Yichen merely scraped by, unlike Zhang Xingmin’s excellence or Lin Xiaofeng’s brilliance, it was, after many years, the highest qualification he’d ever earned—far more meaningful than years spent drifting aimlessly. For the first time, he felt that abandoning his past might not have been a bad decision. Where days before he might have occasionally missed his former life, now he looked forward to the future.

After a brief leave, the new recruits were assigned to various units: some to infantry, some to artillery, others became signalmen, and a few joined the marine corps. In the end, only Zhang, Zhao, Lin, and Yang remained.

"Sir!" Zhao Nana finally lost patience; the medics had already reported for duty, so why hadn’t she been called?

"Speak," replied the officer in charge of assignments, anticipating their anxious questions.

"Sir, the medics have reported. Shouldn’t I join them?" Zhao Nana asked.

"Wait."

"Yes, sir."

So the four stood at attention, waiting and waiting, with doubts brewing in their minds. They hadn’t done anything wrong—why were they being punished with prolonged standing? Just as Zhao Nana was about to collapse from fatigue, someone finally came to fetch them.

They didn’t dare ask where they were headed; they simply followed in silence, passing layer after layer of sentries, until they reached a medium-sized conference room. Seated at the center was a man of about fifty, his uniform and rank showing his authority.

"Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief of the Jiangcheng Military District: Zhang Xingmin, Zhao Nana, Lin Xiaofeng, Yang Yichen, all present."

"Good. You may leave," the commander said with a wave of his hand.

"Yes, sir." Their escort obeyed and departed. The four then took seats on either side of the conference table, awaiting the commander’s words.

His speech was brisk and to the point, unlike the long-winded lectures of traditional leaders. He explained that they were to form a secret special investigative team, tasked with gathering information on the Dark Organization: its locations, structure, objectives, hidden operatives, and operation codes.

The reason they were chosen was their prior direct encounter with the Dark Organization, giving them some experience, and their complementary skills: Zhang Xingmin’s sharp mind, Yang Yichen’s courage, Lin Xiaofeng’s military expertise, and Zhao Nana’s healing abilities, making them an ideal team.

However, the four were not thrilled. Their meager experience seemed hardly sufficient for such a daunting mission—something even national security might struggle to handle. They feared it would be a suicide assignment, risking both their lives and the mission’s progress.

The commander sensed their anxiety and reassured them, "Don’t worry too much. To be honest, this mission is being carried out by multiple teams—a saturation attack on the enemy. Just focus on your task. Each team has a code name; yours is Falcon Project. Once you leave this room, Falcon Project officially begins."

With the commander’s words, the members of the Falcon Team had no choice but to accept. Though dangerous, as the old song said on recruitment day—"Men should take on perilous tasks"—sacrifice was a noble offering for the country. Besides, in times of chaos, everyone’s safety was precarious; refusing the mission did not guarantee survival.

As they prepared to leave, the commander spoke again, asking Lin Xiaofeng to stay. Zhang Xingmin, Zhao Nana, and Yang Yichen were momentarily stunned.

"Sir, do you have orders?" Lin Xiaofeng asked naturally.

The commander hesitated, at a loss for words. They stared at each other.

Zhao Nana, observing the commander and Lin Xiaofeng, quickly grasped the situation. Zhang Xingmin and Yang Yichen remained clueless.

The commander finally spoke, "The three of you leave; I need to speak with Xiaofeng alone."

Zhao Nana, now realizing the situation, pulled the half-aware Zhang Xingmin and the still-bewildered Yang Yichen out of the room. Of course, they didn’t go far; instead, they eavesdropped at the door.

The commander began, "Xiaofeng, you don’t have to take this mission."

"Father! You can’t abuse your power to give me special treatment! Everyone else is going—why shouldn’t I?"

"You are my only son! I am speaking as a father now—why can't you understand…" The commander turned his head away, unable to finish.

"Understand what? You want me to stay behind? I’ve always followed your orders for twenty-three years! What do you want from me? My friends are facing a life-and-death trial—I want to stand with them! Can’t you let me make my own choice for once?"

"I’m not stopping you from serving the country! On the contrary, as a father and a soldier, I am proud. But compared to the Falcon Project, there is a position more suited to you. You’ve always been an obedient child; I hope this time you’ll listen to your father," the commander’s voice, though seemingly devoid of emotion, carried warmth and a father’s helplessness.

"I won’t! All my life, you’ve made me obey you—have you ever listened to my thoughts? Do you really think you’re always right?" Lin Xiaofeng retorted, then stormed out.

As Lin Xiaofeng flung open the door, Zhao Nana, Zhang Xingmin, and Yang Yichen were still eavesdropping. Their expressions—surprise, shock, excitement, concern—were so complex as to defy description. Caught in the act, the atmosphere was unbearably awkward.

Lin Xiaofeng shot them a glare and walked away without looking back. The remaining three were left uncertain—should they run after Lin Xiaofeng to comfort him, or go back to console the heartbroken father who had discovered their eavesdropping?