American comics: I am full of martial virtues and I love to be kind to others.

Colonel Roderick—a burly African-American officer in his early fifties—greeted them with a stern expression. “Chief, Agent Holt, welcome to Dune Outpost.”

“All preparations have been completed as you requested,” Colonel Roderick said, guiding Lynn and Chief Henderson through the base’s secure corridor. “The surveillance system has been reinforced, trusted soldiers have been deployed, and a closed communications network has been established that Black Hawk cannot breach.”

They entered an underground command center, surrounded by state-of-the-art equipment and screens. Several officers and technicians were already at their posts, the atmosphere tense and focused.

“This will be our operations center,” Colonel Roderick explained, pointing to the large central screen displaying a 3D map of the base, with different areas marked in different colors. “We’ve already set up a multi-layered sensor system around the base; any approaching vehicle or personnel will be detected immediately. Meanwhile, we’ve deployed multiple sets of cameras inside to ensure every corner is recorded.”

Lynn nodded in satisfaction, quickly assessing the setup. "What about the route to the biomedical zone? That will be Black Hawk's most likely point of entry."

Colonel Roderick clicked on the console, and a route lit up on the map. "This is the shortest path from the north wall to the biomedical lab. We've set up multiple monitoring points along the way, but deliberately left some 'blind spots' to give intruders the impression they can bypass detection."

Chief Henderson examined the map. "The evacuation route? Once we confirm the Black Hawk Down intrusion, we need to ensure the safety of all personnel."

Colonel Roderick activated another set of routes. "These are emergency evacuation routes, leading directly to the underground parking garage and helipad. All non-essential personnel have been instructed to evacuate immediately via these routes upon hearing the codename 'Sandstorm.'"

Lynn pulled an encrypted communicator from his pocket. "I need to connect to your system to maintain contact with external teams."

A technical officer stepped forward, took the communicator, and quickly made the necessary adjustments and integrations. A few minutes later, Gwen's voice came through the device clearly:
"Lynn, can you hear me? Command center is fully operational, and everything here is ready."

“Roger that,” Lynn replied. “Base security is in place. Any indication of Black Hawk activity?”

“Not yet,” Gwen responded, “but we’ve detected an increase in encrypted communication traffic, and it seems they’ve noticed our ‘leak.’ Erin and Marcus’s team are already in position on the perimeter, maintaining stealth.”

Director Henderson walked to the main control console in the command center. "It's 2:15 PM now. According to our schedule, Dr. Banner should arrive at the base at 3 PM for the 'final test.' I anticipate Black Hawk will attempt an infiltration before then, possibly to distract us or create some kind of chaos."

Colonel Roderick nodded. "We are prepared for all eventualities. The official statement from the base is that today's exercise is a routine security drill, which explains the increased security personnel without arousing unnecessary suspicion."

Lynn began to tour the command center, inspecting the various monitoring stations. “Remember,” he said, “the key is to obtain solid evidence. We need a clear record of the Black Hawk Down intrusions into U.S. military facilities, and evidence that they attempted to acquire Banner or related technology. Once we have that, even their protectors within the government won’t be able to exonerate them.”

As the discussion continued, a surveillance officer suddenly raised his voice, "Sir, vehicle activity has been detected in the northern dune area, approximately 5 kilometers from base. Three unmarked black SUVs; their driving patterns indicate they are attempting to avoid the main surveillance area."

Everyone's attention immediately turned to the screen displaying vehicle activity.

“It’s starting,” Lynn whispered, then contacted Gwen via communicator. “Vehicles are approaching, possibly Black Hawk’s advance team. Inform Eileen’s team to keep a close watch, but remain concealed.”

“Received,” Gwen replied. “Tracking their communications. Increased activity detected on encrypted channels.”

Colonel Roderick immediately issued the order, "Activate the perimeter camera system, but maintain standard security posture. Do not give the impression that we have already located them."

On the monitor screen, three SUVs stopped at a concealed location about 1 kilometer from the base's perimeter wall. Several people dressed in black tactical gear got out of the vehicles and began deploying what appeared to be surveillance equipment.

“They’re setting up their own surveillance system,” Lynn observed, “probably assessing the base’s security and looking for the best entry point.”

Chief Henderson stared intently at the screen. "Their operation was highly professional; they were clearly well-trained. This wasn't ordinary security personnel; it was more like a special forces team."

Gwen's voice came through the communicator, "We intercepted some communications. They were using the codename 'Emerald Extraction,' mentioning 'assets' and 'technology,' most likely referring to Banner and the so-called control technology. Also, they seem to be waiting for someone called 'Commander.'"

Lynn and Henderson exchanged a meaningful glance. "Stern," Henderson said, "it seems Victor was right; Stern himself is in command of this operation."

“This is even better than we hoped,” Lynn said, his voice tinged with restrained excitement. “If we could document evidence of Black Hawk’s top leadership personally directing an armed incursion into a military facility, that would be overwhelming.”

The monitoring personnel continued to report, "More vehicles are approaching, a limousine and two armored vehicles. They are rendezvousing with the previous team."

On the screen, the newly arrived vehicle pulled up next to the previous SUV. A figure stepped out of the limousine, his imposing presence evident even at the low resolution of the surveillance footage. Dressed in an exquisite suit, with silver-gray hair, his demeanor was composed and confident—Richard Stern, the head of Black Hawk International.

“It’s confirmed, it’s Stern,” Director Henderson said, a hint of disgust in his voice. “He seems extremely confident and clearly doesn’t believe there will be any consequences for intruding into a military base.”

The rear door of the armored vehicle opened, and several fully equipped tactical team members jumped out and began to establish a perimeter. But the most eye-catching figures were the two people who emerged from the second armored vehicle—an unusually tall man with an unnatural grayish complexion; and a slender woman with what appeared to be some kind of special equipment on her arm.

“Enhanced agents,” Lynn immediately recognized, “looks like some kind of physical enhancement and possible energy manipulation ability.” He quickly relayed this information to Eileen via communicator, “Two suspected enhanced agents, unknown abilities. Remain vigilant and prepared to intervene if necessary.”

“Received,” Eileen replied curtly. “We’ve taken note. Marcus is assessing their capability profile.”

Time ticked by, and the Black Hawk team continued their preparations, seemingly waiting for a specific moment. The tension in the command center was palpable; everyone knew a meticulously planned confrontation was about to begin.

At 2:45 p.m., the surveillance system detected new activity. The Black Hawk team began to split into several small squads and move in different directions from the base. "They're spreading out," Colonel Roderick said. "They're likely preparing to infiltrate from multiple points simultaneously to distract us."

Through the communicator, Gwen provided more information: "Our intercepted communications indicate they plan to move simultaneously at 2:55, exactly five minutes before Banner's scheduled arrival. Stern appears to be personally leading the main assault team, targeting the biomedical area."

Lynn quickly made a decision, “Perfect, get them to proceed as planned. Colonel Roderick, make sure all non-essential personnel have been evacuated from the biomedical area, but keep all systems running and reassure them that the experiment is in progress.”

Colonel Roderick nodded and immediately issued the corresponding orders.

Chief Henderson glanced nervously at his watch. "We only have ten minutes. Once they begin their operation, we need to make sure we've gathered enough evidence before taking any countermeasures."

Lynn nodded. "All surveillance systems are recording, and the data is being transmitted to our secure servers in real time. Even if they manage to compromise the base's systems, the evidence has been safely preserved."

At 2:54 AM, the Black Hawk team commenced its operation as planned. Three assault teams simultaneously approached different entrances to the base, swiftly cutting through the fence and disabling surface security systems using specialized equipment. Their movements were rapid and precise, demonstrating an exceptionally high level of training and meticulous prior planning.

“They’re in,” Colonel Roderick said in a low voice, watching the intruders rapidly breach the base’s outer defenses on the monitors. “Should we raise the alarm?”

Lynn shook his head. "No, let them continue. We need them deep inside the base, especially Stern himself."

On the monitor screen, Stern's main team was moving along a predetermined route towards the biomedical area, with two enhanced agents leading the way, easily handling any obstacles encountered. The other two teams were moving towards the communications center and security control room, clearly to gain control of the base's critical systems.

“They are very familiar with the layout of the base,” Director Henderson said with concern. “This suggests they may have inside intelligence sources.”

Lynn nodded. "Very likely. Black Hawk also has informants within the military, which is exactly the kind of infiltration we need to cut off."

As the Black Hawk team penetrated deeper into the base, the tension in the command center escalated. On the monitors, Stern's team could be seen approaching the main entrance to the biomedical area, while other teams effectively controlled the base's communications and security systems.

“They are cutting off regular communication lines,” a technician reported, “but our encrypted backup system is still running.”

Lynn contacted Gwen via communicator to confirm, "Gwen, can you still receive our signal on your end?"

“Clearly received,” Gwen responded. “The data stream remains stable. We have gathered substantial evidence of the intrusion, including clear footage personally directed by Stern.”

Just then, a monitoring staff member suddenly exclaimed, "Sir, the security control room has been taken over by the intrusion team! They are attempting to access the main system!"

Colonel Roderick reacted immediately, "Activate the isolation protocol to separate the command center from other systems."

“Furthermore, the entrance to the biomedical zone has been breached,” another officer reported. “Stern’s team is entering the main laboratory.”

Lynn watched the monitor. Stern's team, including two enhanced agents, had entered the main laboratory in the biomedical zone. They began searching and examining the equipment, clearly looking for information related to Banner or control technology.

“They’ve taken the bait,” Lynn said, a hint of triumph in his voice. “Now we have irrefutable evidence of their illegal intrusion into military facilities and their attempt to steal technology. It’s time to put an end to this.”

He turned to Colonel Roderick, “Activate the ‘dust storm’ protocol and seal off all exits.”

Colonel Roderick nodded and gave the order. A few seconds later, the base's alarm system sounded, and a "sandstorm" warning echoed through the broadcast system. All non-essential personnel began evacuating along pre-arranged routes, while the base's exits were automatically locked, trapping the Black Hawk intruders inside.

On the monitor screen, Stern's expression shifted from confident to alert, then to annoyed. He immediately issued orders via communications, possibly instructing other teams to expedite their operations or find an escape route.

“They realize it,” Chief Henderson said. “This is a critical moment. They will try to destroy the evidence and escape.”

Just then, the door to the command center was suddenly forced open, and a second Black Hawk assault team appeared at the door, weapons aimed at everyone in the room.

"Don't move!" shouted the lead Black Hawk agent. "Everyone, hands up!"

Lynn and the others had no choice but to comply for the time being. Black Hawk agents quickly entered the room and took control of the main control console and communications systems.

“This is a trap,” one of the agents said into the communications device. “The command center is under our control, but there are FBI agents here.”

Through the still-functioning surveillance screens, Lynn could see Stern's reaction upon receiving the information. His expression turned cold and decisive, and he immediately issued new orders. In the biomedical zone, the Black Hawk team began an orderly retreat, while two enhanced agents began sabotaging laboratory equipment, apparently to destroy any potential evidence.

Lynn was being held captive by two armed agents, but his eyes remained glued to the monitor screen. The situation looked dire, but he knew there was still a trump card in the plan.

“Gwen,” he murmured to himself, hoping she could see what was happening through the still-active hidden communication system, “it’s time.” (End of Chapter)