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

"What details?" Lynn asked immediately.

“That ice-type mutant’s abilities are incredibly powerful, but his attacks follow a pattern,” Emily said. “After each large-scale attack, he needs a period of time to recover. This might be his weakness.”

This observation was very valuable. Although the operation failed, they obtained invaluable intelligence.

“Furthermore,” Emily continued, “I saw distinctive markings on some of the buildings at the research station, markings I’d seen in the lab where I was held captive. This proves they are indeed from the same organization.”

The helicopters struggled through the snowstorm, their target the medical facility in Barrow. Although the operation ended in evacuation, everyone knew it was just the beginning.

“Detective,” David said, “I detected some electronic signals before we retreated. The research station’s electronics were far beyond what you'd find in a typical research facility; it was more like a military base.”

This discovery further convinced Lynn that they were not facing an ordinary criminal organization, but an international terrorist group with powerful backgrounds and resources.

“We need to revise our plan,” Lynn told the team. “We’ve learned a lot from this failure. Next time, we’ll be much better prepared.”

Upon returning to Barrow, Lynn immediately arranged for Lisa to receive emergency medical treatment. Although there was only a rudimentary clinic in the area, the doctor confirmed that her ankle fracture was not serious and would recover with immobilization and rest. Emily's injuries were even minor, consisting of some abrasions and slight bruises.

In the makeshift command post, Lynn gathered all the team members who could participate in the discussion. On the table lay blurry photographs taken from Arctic Station Two, and a map of the enemy's defenses drawn from memory. Each person wore a somber expression; the defeat in their first direct confrontation had made everyone acutely aware of the mission's difficulty.

“I need to report to headquarters immediately,” Lynn said. “This failure has taught us many lessons, but it has also exposed our lack of preparedness.”

David began establishing a video communication connection with FBI headquarters. Due to the unique environment of the Arctic region, the signal was intermittent, but the connection was eventually established. Deputy Director McLaren, Counterterrorism Chief Brown, and several technical experts appeared on the screen.

“Lynn, I heard you’ve run into trouble,” McLaren’s voice was slightly distorted through satellite transmission, “Give me a detailed report of the situation.”

Lynn took a deep breath and began to describe the operation in detail. From the harsh weather conditions to equipment malfunctions, from the mutant attacks to the forced retreat, every detail was reported truthfully.

“Based on our observations, the enemy has at least two powerful mutants,” Lynn said. “One can manipulate ice and snow, and the other can control storms. Their abilities are greatly enhanced in the Arctic environment.”

Brown frowned. "You mean environmental factors amplified their abilities?"

“That’s right,” Michael added. “That ice mutant is practically invincible in icy environments. He can instantly create massive ice walls and ice spike traps, while our conventional weapons are significantly less effective in low temperatures.”

Although Emily was still bandaging her wounds, she insisted on participating in the discussion. "I noticed that the ice mutant has a characteristic: he needs a short recovery time after each large-scale attack. This might be his only weakness."

The technical experts on the screen began rapidly recording this information. One of them asked, "Have you observed the enemy's attack patterns? Are there any discernible patterns?"

Mark replied, "The Ice mutants primarily engage in ranged attacks, with a range of approximately one hundred meters. The Storm mutants, on the other hand, are responsible for limiting vision and movement; the two work together seamlessly. Moreover, their adaptability to the environment far exceeds our expectations."

McClaren pondered for a moment, then said, "It seems that conventional tactics are indeed ineffective in that environment. We need to revise our plans, and we need special support."

"What kind of support?" Lynn asked.

“Mutant support,” Brown stated directly. “Since the enemy is using mutants, we should consider using mutants as well. The FBI has a special operations team whose members are all mutants willing to serve the government.”

This proposal surprised everyone in the meeting room. While the FBI does have mutant employees, using mutants in military operations is relatively rare.

"What specific types of mutants can support us?" Lynn asked.

A new face appeared on the screen: Dr. Katherine Smith, an expert on mutant affairs. She was the leading expert within the FBI responsible for matters related to mutants.

“Based on your description, I believe the most effective countermeasure is to send a water-type mutant,” Dr. Smith said. “Although it sounds contradictory, water-type mutants can control various forms of water, including ice and snow. Theoretically, they could rival ice-type mutants.”

Michael was somewhat confused. "But aren't ice-type mutants a type of water-type mutant?"

“Not entirely,” Dr. Smith explained. “Ice mutants typically can only control solid water, that is, ice. True water mutants, on the other hand, can control water in all its forms: liquid, solid, and even gas. This comprehensive control gives them an advantage when fighting a single ice mutant.”

Emily suddenly thought of something, "What about the Storm Mutant? Could the Water Mutant handle him?"

“That’s more difficult,” Dr. Smith admitted, “but aquatic mutants can influence storm formation by manipulating moisture in the air. While they can’t completely control them, they can at least weaken their power.”

Brown nodded on the screen. "This sounds like a viable option. Dr. Smith, do we have suitable aquatic mutants?"

“Yes,” Dr. Smith said, “I recommend Agent Martin Foster. He’s a member of the FBI Special Operations Group, possesses strong water-based abilities, and has extensive combat experience.”

Just then, another voice rang out in the conference room. Jack raised a different opinion: "Wait, I remember reading about elemental counters when I was a kid. Aren't earth-based abilities supposed to counter water-based ones? Why don't we consider earth-based mutants?"

This proposal made everyone stop and think. Indeed, in the traditional theory of elemental counteraction, earth counters water, which is a fundamental principle.

Dr. Smith considered it for a moment. "Jack has a point. Earth-type mutants do theoretically have an advantage over water-type mutants. We do have several earth-type mutant employees."

“Then why not consider them first?” Mark asked.

Dr. Smith glanced at the expressions of the other experts on the screen and then said, "The problem lies in environmental limitations. Earth-type mutants' abilities rely on land and rock. In the Arctic Ocean, there's ice everywhere, with seawater underneath; there's simply no soil to utilize."

This explanation made everything clear. Environmental factors not only enhance the abilities of some mutants, but also limit the performance of others.

“So, in an environment like the Arctic, earth-type mutants are basically useless?” Lynn confirmed. “Yes,” Dr. Smith nodded, “Without soil as a medium, most of the abilities of earth-type mutants are unusable. Conversely, ice-type and water-type mutants are greatly enhanced in that environment.”

McLaren said on the screen, "That's settled then. We need the water mutants' support. Dr. Smith, where is Martin Foster now?"

“He’s currently on a mission in Seattle, but can be recalled immediately,” Dr. Smith replied. “Give me six hours, and I can get him to Alaska.”

“That’s great,” Lynn said, “but we need to develop a more detailed battle plan before he arrives.”

Brown nodded. "That's right. We can't make the same mistake again. Lynn, what are your specific ideas?"

Lynn looked at his team members and then said, "First, we need better equipment. Conventional weapons are ineffective in extremely low temperatures; we need specialized polar warfare equipment."

“That’s no problem,” McLaren said. “I will arrange for the military to provide the most advanced polar equipment.”

“Secondly,” Lynn continued, “we need better intelligence. We need detailed information about the enemy's deployment, their numbers, and possible escape routes.”

David raised his hand and said, "Detective, I can try using remote reconnaissance equipment. Although we didn't succeed in penetrating their electronic systems last time, we can gather information from the outside."

“Very good,” Lynn agreed. “Also, we need to consider the weather. Last time, the failure was largely due to a sudden blizzard.”

A weather expert appeared on the screen. "Detective Lynn, this is James Wilson from the National Weather Service. According to the latest weather data, the Arctic region will have a relatively stable weather window over the next week, with weaker winds and improved visibility."

"How long is the window?" Lynn asked immediately.

“Approximately 48 to 72 hours,” Wilson replied, “but this prediction is not 100% accurate in the Arctic and can change at any time.”

Emily suddenly said, "Wait, 48 hours? I remember hearing at Barrow Airport that those criminals said 'the plan must be completed within 48 hours.' If their experiment also needs good weather..."

“They might conduct their final experiment within the same weather window,” Michael continued, “which means our time is even more pressing.”

McLaren's expression turned serious. "If they really intend to complete some dangerous experiment within 48 hours, we must act before them."

“The problem is whether Martin Foster can arrive on time,” Dr. Smith said. “From Seattle to Alaska, plus preparation time, it takes at least eight hours.”

Lynn calculated the time. "That means we have a maximum of 40 hours to prepare, and then we'll have to launch a second attack."

“Time is indeed very tight,” Brown admitted, “but we have no other choice. Lynn, what do you think are the chances of success for this operation?”

Lynn was silent for a moment. "With the support of the aquatic mutants, plus better equipment and intelligence, I estimate the chances of success are around 70%."

“70%?” McLaren frowned. “That’s still not a high enough probability.”

“Deputy Director, considering the harshness of the environment and the strength of the enemy, 70% is already a very optimistic estimate,” Michael said. “Moreover, if we don’t act and allow the enemy to complete the experiment, the consequences could be even more serious.”

Emily nodded. "Michael's right. Based on what I saw in the lab, if their experiments succeed, they could potentially create even more dangerous weapons."

The experts on screen began a heated discussion. Ultimately, McClaren made his decision: "Okay, I agree to a second operation. But Lynn, you must be fully prepared. I don't want to see any more injuries."

“Understood, Deputy Director,” Lynn replied firmly.

Dr. Smith said, "I'll contact Martin Foster right now and have him come immediately. In the meantime, I'll prepare a detailed report on the water-based mutant abilities to help you develop your coordinated tactics."

“There’s one more thing,” Brown said. “Given the international sensitivity of this operation, we need to be diplomatically prepared. If things go wrong, it could trigger an international dispute.”

“We have to take this risk,” McLaren said. “Compared to the threat of bioterrorism, the diplomatic dispute is secondary.”

The meeting lasted nearly two hours, with various details being discussed repeatedly. Ultimately, a relatively comprehensive battle plan was formulated:

First, make full use of the remaining time for preparation, including equipment upgrades, intelligence gathering, and personnel deployment.

Secondly, after Martin Foster arrives, conduct a brief integration training session to ensure the team works well together.

Finally, launch a surprise attack during the weather window, aiming to destroy the enemy base and rescue the victims in one fell swoop.

“Men,” Lynn addressed his team, “the next 40 hours will determine the success or failure of this mission. I need everyone to be fully prepared.”

After the meeting, the team members got to work. Mark began checking and adjusting weapons and equipment, Jack studied demolition techniques in cryogenic environments, and David continued to try to gather intelligence on the enemy base.

Despite her injuries, Emily insisted on helping everyone analyze the enemy's potential weaknesses. "Based on my observations, that ice mutant does need a rest after its continuous attacks. If we can seize this opening..."

“We’ll consider this tactic,” Lynn interrupted her, “but Emily, your safety is paramount. You cannot participate in frontline combat in the next operation.”

Emily wanted to protest, but seeing Lynn's resolute expression, she finally nodded. (End of Chapter)