The giant corporations that started from Night City

Chapter 374: Deep Dive Insect Sea Star! All Heavens Investigation Team 3.0! Infected!
After hearing Paul's proposal, the top executives of the giant companies fell into deep thought. This method might not be a bad idea, but the final decision still had to be made by Li Ang.

Through Paul's reminder, Leon suddenly remembered a detail, that is, the current "StarCraft" universe is the Wings of Liberty timeline in the 26th century AD.

There is also an important human force - Jim Raynor's Rangers!
In the StarCraft universe, the Human Alliance is not a monolithic force, and there are many problems of corruption and injustice within the Terran Federation.

This led to many humans organizing a camp to resist the Terran Federation, among which the Rangers led by Raynor was one of the important forces.

During this period, Jim Raynor was busy rescuing and searching for colonies invaded by the Zerg.

Jim Raynor can be regarded as the protagonist in "Starcraft". He was once a law enforcement officer and militia captain of a colonial planet. He led his people in a rebellion because of the injustice of the Federation.

In the plot of Wings of Liberty, Raynor will purify the Queen of Blades Sarah Kerrigan in Valerian, win over the most powerful helper for the human camp, and defeat Amon.

If the Universal Corporation can successfully contact Jim Raynor through the survivors on this planet, then the next mission may be much easier.

More importantly, Raynor’s purpose in searching for the key stone is not to take it for himself, but to turn the Queen of Blades into a human and contribute to humanity’s fight against the Zerg and Amon.

Anyway, the world's giant companies will sooner or later join the forces fighting for the key stone, so it is better to win over Renault first and use him for one's own benefit.

"If you want to lead the team on this mission, you have to land on that planet yourself."

Johnny Silverhand shook his head, feeling that Paul had tasted the sweetness of promotion and was willing to risk his life to take on this job.

"I advise you to think about it calmly."

"No, I'm ready!" Paul responded firmly.

Although the planet had been completely occupied by Zerg and was covered with dense fungal mats, it was a thousand times more dangerous than any other place Paul had ever been to.

There, what awaits them will be a horde of hundreds of millions of Zerg, including many difficult to deal with Zerg forces.

It is no exaggeration to say that this was a suicidal mission!

But even so, Paul still determined his idea: "Someone has to do this. At present, this planet is our only entry point. If we miss this opportunity, there will be no next time."

Paul was not worried that the Zerg would pose any threat to them. What he was afraid of was that the giant companies would be passive everywhere and dare not take the initiative and miss the opportunity.

If you want to complete the integration mission as quickly as possible, you must seize the initiative everywhere!
"Paul, I can agree that you can lead the team to investigate, but you have to ensure your own safety and be responsible for the lives of your team members."

Finally, Li Ang decided on this action.

Paul's idea is almost the same as Leon's. If you want to take a shortcut, you must bear the corresponding risks. This is unavoidable.

Seeing that the boss had spoken, the executives of the giant companies hesitated for a while, and finally reluctantly agreed with Paul's idea, and V also proposed and added:

"If that's the case, I suggest sending out the elite advance team to assist in the investigation. In addition, we can also send in AI drones to assist. This will ensure the safety of the personnel as much as possible."

However, before V could finish his words, Dr. Halsey suddenly interrupted and said, "I must remind you that the Zerg's biological technology is extremely powerful."

"Their entire species' evolution is based on assimilation and absorption of other organisms. We must always be equipped with the Manticore virus, otherwise we won't be able to save Paul and the others with just a few AI drones."

Halsey's reminder was crucial.

The Zerg's greatest skill is absorbing and assimilating the genes of other races. As a species of pure physical essence, the Zerg can theoretically evolve infinitely!

For example, the prototype of the springtail was originally just a small and flexible dune animal, and the hydralisk was just a docile and harmless herbivorous sloth.

The cockroaches, which are not afraid of high temperature and flames and are covered with shells, are originally acidic slugs that live deep in the Gaxus Mountains. However, after the fusion evolution of the Zerg, they can become extremely terrifying Zerg soldiers.

Conventional firepower devices are useless against such a vicious enemy. Paul can only sneak all the way in. If he disturbs the Zerg, it will basically be equivalent to mission failure!

The more people we send into this operation, the more cramped and troublesome it will become.

Once the team members' positions are exposed due to mistakes, Universal Corporation can only release the Scorpion Virus to forcibly clear the Zerg on the planet.

"Why not send out the Prometheus Legion's knights to explore? They are fully mechanized AI soldiers, so there's no need to worry about being devoured by the Zerg."

At this time, Morgan Blackhand gave his own opinion. In fact, in order to ensure the safety of the exploration team members, they can send out a large number of AI drones to explore slowly.

Unfortunately, they don’t have much time left. The distress signals received by the giant enterprise are getting weaker and weaker. The two sides can’t even complete two-way communication. The trapped people on the ground may not be able to hold on for too long.

Given the urgency of the situation, the longer the time drags on, the more disadvantageous it will be for the giant company to rescue the trapped people, and using AI drones to open a path for investigation is obviously not feasible.

"Knights are combat AI robots. They can only fight and assassinate target people. If you want to save people in a complex and chaotic situation, I'm afraid this is not something they can do."

V shook his head and rejected Morgan's suggestion. He once led the Prometheus Legion and knew the power of these efficient killing machines.

When it comes to fighting, the Knight is indeed an expert and can be regarded as a model of a giant company's AI force.

But when it comes to stealth, lying in wait, and acting according to circumstances, these rigid knights are no match for the agile humans.

"Time is running out now. Let Paul select the members of the investigation team. Each of you should prepare enough Manticore virus. If the mission fails, release the virus immediately!"

After much discussion, Leon finally decided on the action plan. Paul Atreides will be directly responsible for the selection and decision-making of personnel for this investigation.

After hanging up the video call with the headquarters of the Myriad Worlds Base, David Martinez looked at Paul and asked with concern:

"What are you going to do next?"

To be honest, David couldn't bear to let Paul lead the team to carry out such a dangerous mission. He had witnessed the power of the Zerg on the flagship and knew how difficult this operation was.

"I plan to select some members from the advance team of the heavens, and then find some helpers from other giant corporate departments to form a team to carry out this mission." Paul responded decisively.

"It seems you already have the right person." David patted the other person on the shoulder.

Paul nodded calmly, and after officially accepting the mission, he immediately began to prepare.

The first people chosen for the action were Luke Skywalker, Din Djarin and others who had just joined the Vanguard.

They are Paul's direct subordinates, so they will naturally be brought along for this operation, along with the Master Chief and Megatronus!
Of course, Megatronus will not directly participate in the action plan. Its mission is to rescue the team members. At the critical moment, Megatronus's entropy energy is enough to open an escape route for Paul and others.

As long as Paul can find the location of the survivors, with Zhen Tianzun's backup ability, they can successfully escape from the planet.

Soon, the action team assembled and everyone officially set sail!

The transport boat used in this operation was the Hyperion. A warship that was too large would be difficult to hide, and an airship that was too small would not have enough speed to help Paul shake off the Zerg fleet.

After comprehensive consideration, the Hyperion is the most suitable ship for this operation.

"It seems like we are all working together again. That's great. At least we won't be alone on the road to the underworld."

Din Djarin looked at the Master Chief, Luke and others, couldn't hide his smile, hugged Panny, and joked.

Luke shook his head and sighed, "Yeah, I came into close contact with bugs just to find those unfortunate bastards."

In fact, Luke didn't have much resistance to this operation, but he was a little annoyed by the bugs below him.

The sergeant remained silent throughout the whole process. He felt like a brick that could be moved wherever he was needed.

At this time, Paul, who was fully equipped, came over and said, "Okay, this is a rare opportunity. I hope everyone will seize it. We have helpers to back us up, so don't worry about this operation."

As they were talking, everyone had already boarded the Hyperion. At this moment, Chini had already entered the warship with other core members of the advance team, including Megatronus!

"My old teammates called me here just to watch you play house games with a bunch of bugs. Why don't you just let me complete this mission for you?"

Megatronus said jokingly that in recent years he has been busy integrating the various Transformers in the Transformers universe, so he doesn't have the time to come here to deal with such trivial matters.

"Let's just think of it as insurance. Hopefully we don't need you."

Paul responded.

Of course, it is impossible for Zhen Tianzun to personally take part in this operation. After all, his body is too large and it will easily attract the attention of the Zerg, which will easily drag down the survivors.

The reason why Paul specifically asked for Zhen Tianzun was because he was impressed by his teleportation ability and powerful entropy energy. Once any thorny troubles arose, Zhen Tianzun could solve them instantly.

"It doesn't matter. Since the boss has spoken, I have to follow your orders whether I do it or not. Hurry up, I don't have that much free time."

Megatronus turned around and connected to the video chat with David Martinez.

On the holographic screen, David at the flagship headquarters instructed Paul: [We will be here ready to provide support at any time. If the situation requires, call us immediately.]

The top executives of the giant company did not hold out much hope for this operation attempt, and even if they failed to rescue any survivors, it would not be a big deal.

As long as the safety of Paul and his crew can be guaranteed.

"Yes, but I really hope I don't have to trouble you." Paul said with a smile.

After all personnel were ready to board the ship, the Hyperion officially set sail. It deployed a hard-light optical cloaking field and silently descended into the atmosphere of the target planet.

Inside the cabin, Paul distributed a teleportation device to everyone. This was a miniature teleporter modified from a giant company's super-time and space teleporter.

Nowadays, it is widely used in the investigation teams of various departments of the world's giant companies. As long as the team members are within the signal range of the super-time and space teleporter, they can be instantly teleported to the location of the main teleporter by pressing the teleporter switch.

This can be used to transmit itself back to the Hyperion when the team members are in crisis.

Of course, this thing also has a certain amount of guidance time, which takes about two seconds.

But as long as the team members are not killed by the enemy in one blow, they can basically rely on this thing to save their lives.

Thanks to the advanced medical technology of the world's giant companies, even if a person is seriously injured, as long as he is still alive, there is a way to rescue him.

While distributing the teleportation devices, Paul reminded everyone: "This operation is just an attempt. Don't be too stubborn. If you encounter any trouble that you can't handle, press the switch immediately."

"In short, you must remember one thing: don't fall into the hands of the Zerg!"

Paul reminded in a serious tone.

The bodies of these advance team soldiers have been marked by the Scorpion Tailed Lion virus library of the giant enterprise, and the giant enterprise's virus will not cause any harm to them.

But once the Zerg devours them, it means that there will also be marked data in the Zerg's genetic information, and then the Scorpion Tailed Lion virus will be helpless against these Zerg!

Read the error-free version at 69shuba! 6=9+shu_ba is the first to publish this novel.

Unless the genetic data of the sacrificed team members is erased and a new batch of Scorpion Tailed Lion viruses is recreated, the giant company will not be able to use the virus to eliminate the pests before then!
In addition, Paul also wanted to prevent Luke from falling into the hands of the Zerg.

After all, the Queen of Blades was once a human, and the Zerg relied on Kerrigan's own powerful psychic talents to transform her into a powerful killing machine.

As the chosen one of the Force, if Luke Skywalker were captured by the Zerg, the consequences would be disastrous!

After hearing what Paul said, everyone put down their teleporters and memorized the captain's words.

While everyone was preparing their weapons and auxiliary equipment, the Hyperion was gradually approaching the unknown planet infested by the Zerg.

The Hyperion was parked on this planet, above an area that had not yet been completely infected. The signal received by the giant enterprise's AI drone was sent from here.

Unfortunately, the signal is too weak and they can only roughly determine it is within this range.

The next thing the investigation team needs to do is to board a small shuttle, depart from the Hyperion, and slowly descend to the ground.

No one can be sure what kind of Zerg monster they will face, but the only thing the investigation team members can be sure of is that it will only take two or three days for this place to be covered by the Zerg fungal blanket.

There is not much time left for them!

As the shuttle gradually descended, everyone looked down through the porthole and saw that large areas of the planet's land had been submerged by the Zerg's purple-red fungal blanket.

Countless wriggling tumors and internal organs are entrenched on the fungal carpet, constantly hatching more Zerg troops and occupying more uncontaminated areas.

The members of the Zhutian Advance Team Investigation Team were once again shocked speechless by the Zerg before them.

The number of Zerg here is countless times more than the ones they had seen before, and the fungal carpet covering the ground is spitting out horrifying flesh and blood.

It makes people feel like they are in hell.

After a long while, everyone landed in a primeval forest area that had not yet been contaminated or covered by the fungal blanket.

Perhaps because plants and trees are not easily digested and swallowed by the fungal mat, it will take some time for this primeval forest to be covered by the fungal mat.

However, although the fungal blanket has not yet completely spread towards this side, it does not mean that there are no traces of insects here.

The members of the investigation team who had just got off the shuttle could occasionally see springtails flying through the woods, as if searching for survivors trapped there.

If they spoke out rashly and exposed their position, a massive swarm of insects would immediately appear and rush towards them.

"Everyone, stay hidden. Our goal is to search for the survivors, not to fight the bugs. Don't provoke them."

Paul alerted everyone via the internal communication.

After seeing this Zerg planet, all the members of the team perked up. They understood without Paul saying much that if they made any noise, they would be immediately overwhelmed by the dense swarms of Zerg!

In addition to the springtails on the ground with well-developed sense of smell and vision, Paul and others also need to be wary of the eyeworms floating in the air.

This balloon-like creature that looks like it has eyes all over it is a scout unit of the Zerg.

As the name suggests, the eye worm has enough eyes to kill people with trypophobia on the spot, and its field of vision is all-round with no blind spots.

In addition, there are six sensitive photosensitive tentacles around the body, which makes it difficult for even optical camouflage to escape the detection of eyeworms.

At Paul's reminder, everyone could only be alert at all times to see if there were any euglena patrolling over the jungle. Once they found any trace of euglena, they had to take a detour.

There is no other way, they have to be cautious enough to complete this investigation mission.

Fortunately, the euglena is not a true clairvoyant. It cannot detect or warn at distances beyond its field of vision.

As long as there are AI drones in the sky to provide real-time information to Paul and others, they will also have a way to bypass the detection of the eyeworms.

"I found a flying bug ahead. It looks like a balloon. Is it creating a fungal blanket?"

With the help of a hard-light sniper rifle, Ding Jialin saw an unidentified swollen creature floating in the air in the distance. The insect looked like a balloon, but it had a pair of limbs, which were obvious biological characteristics.

Paul looked in the direction Ding Djarin pointed through the auxiliary visual system of the power armor, and sure enough, he saw a balloon-like creature floating in the air, "excreting" purple-red mucus onto the ground.

The body of the balloon has a very conspicuous purple-red poison sac, and what is wrapped inside should be the components of the fungal mat.

In fact, this bug is the transport unit of the Zerg, named "King Bug". Its abdominal sac can secrete fungal mats, which provide a continuous manufacturing production base for the Zerg.

The queen insect has no means of attack, no outstanding detection capabilities, and even its movement speed is quite slow. Its main task is to produce fungal mats and pollute local areas.

Seeing the Zerg contaminating this last piece of pure land, Paul felt that time was running out. He waved his hand and gave the order:
"Hurry up, we have to move faster."

Immediately, following the guidance of the signal source, everyone carefully came to a place with human buildings. Coincidentally, the fungal mat excreted by the king insect just now also fell nearby.

"We are not late."

Pani swallowed, and what came into everyone's sight was the rooftops covered with fungal blankets, internal organs crawling all over the walls, and all the houses covered with indescribable tumors and mucus.

The wriggling flesh and blood breathing up and down on the fungal blanket made people feel nauseous. Even the usually calm and composed sergeant couldn't help but feel his muscles tense.

Just when everyone thought that this trip was about to fail, Chini suddenly said, "Wait, there are still people alive here!"

However, just as Chini finished her words, the "living person" she was talking about walked towards the outside of the building complex in a strange and twisted posture.

Tentacles and limbs that did not belong to humans grew on their bodies, and they looked like they had been forcibly inserted with funny limbs.

Bone blades grew out of their upper bodies, and the heads of all the infected were transformed into strange shapes by the Zerg.

This group of people can no longer be called human beings, but a group of walking corpses controlled by primitive biological desires. All they see is executing the orders of the higher-level insect species, killing and devouring.

"Chini, I suggest that you look at the target clearly before reporting the situation next time. If this thing can be called a person, then the slugs I raise at home can also be considered half a person."

Ding Jialin's mouth twitched.

"It's better to kill them as soon as possible so that they don't have to continue to suffer like this." Luke is kind-hearted and can't bear to see humans being tortured by the Zerg like this.

Paul carefully observed the condition of the infected people and found that the actual situation might be worse than he thought.

These humans were not assimilated into the Zerg at all. They were simply injected with fungal blankets by the Zerg, which used the human body as a breeding ground for the Zerg.

The larvae in their bodies are frantically absorbing nutrients from their bodies. I believe that it won’t be long before the well-fed worms break out of their bodies!

Faced with such a tragic situation, Paul could only sigh in his heart for these fellow human beings, but he still had to focus on his mission:

"Let's first confirm whether the signal source comes from here."

If the source of the signal came from these infected humans, then their trip would be in vain, and the headquarters would not get any of the intelligence it needed.

The Master Chief carefully observed the surrounding environment, and after confirming through the AI ​​drone that there was no danger for the time being, he indicated that they could enter the building complex for investigation.

"Sergeant, you and Ding Djarin will be responsible for reconnaissance and stealth. The others will help provide cover with me. Pay attention, don't linger in the fight, and move as quickly as possible!"

Paul quickly assigned tasks.

"understand!"

Everyone responded in unison.

The most important thing they need to pay attention to now is not to attract the attention of other Zerg units and avoid making too much noise as much as possible.

Otherwise, this operation will be forced to fail!

(End of this chapter)