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

This possibility put immense pressure on everyone.

“Zeta also told me other information,” Alex continued, “It said that in other parts of the world, symbiotes have established secret bases, similar to the underground facilities we destroyed yesterday.”

"Where is it?" Lynn asked anxiously.

“Zeta doesn’t know the exact location, because information isn’t fully shared between different factions,” Alex replied, “but he mentioned some clues: London’s underground sewer system, Tokyo’s abandoned subway tunnels, Los Angeles’ sewer network, and somewhere deep in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest.”

“This means the problem is global,” Dr. Banner concluded, “not just a problem for New York or the United States.”

“Yes, and coordinating operations will be extremely difficult,” Lynn acknowledged the complexity of the challenge. “We need to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in other countries, but how do we explain the existence of the symbiote? How do we gain their trust and cooperation?”

“More importantly,” Carlos raised another question, “how do we distinguish between friendly and hostile symbiotes? They can look exactly the same.”

“This is the last important piece of information Zeta provided,” Alex said. “It tells me that there’s a way for symbiotes to identify each other. Different factions of symbiotes emit bio-electric waves of different frequencies, similar to identification markers.”

"Can we detect these radio waves?" Michael asked, as he kept a record of all the technical details.

“Theoretically, yes, if we know the specific frequency parameters,” Dr. Banner pondered, “this could be the key to distinguishing friend from foe.”

Just then, the containment device's alarm suddenly went off.

"What's wrong with Zeta?" Lynn asked immediately.

"Its activity level is decreasing," the technicians reported, "as if it's entering some kind of dormant state."

Alex refocused and tried to make contact with Zeta.

“It said it was tired,” Alex reported. “This deep communication was very taxing on it. But it wanted to tell me one last thing.”

"What is it?" Everyone waited anxiously.

Alex was silent for a moment, then opened his eyes with a complicated expression.

“Zeta says it’s willing to help us,” Alex announced. “It’s willing to be a bridge between humans and the friendly symbiote.”

“What does this mean?” Sarah asked.

“It’s willing to teach us how to identify different factions of symbiotes, how to connect with friendly individuals, and how to guard against hostile ones,” Alex explained, “but it has one condition.”

"What are the conditions?" Lynn asked.

“It wants us to protect those symbiotes that seek peace and give them a safe haven,” Alex said. “They don’t want to be homeless again.”

This request made everyone fall into deep thought.

“This is a huge commitment,” Emily said. “We need to consider public reaction, government policy, and the practicalities of implementation.”

“Furthermore, how can we ensure that these symbiotes won’t change their stance?” Carlos asked worriedly. “Could they be friends today, but enemies tomorrow?”

“These are all reasonable concerns,” Lynn acknowledged, “but we must also consider another possibility: if we refuse to cooperate, we may lose the opportunity to understand and influence the symbiotic community.”

“More importantly,” Peter added, “if friendly symbiotes are not protected, they may be forced to join radical factions, which would mean we would face even more enemies.”

Dr. Banner walked to the window, gazing at the city view outside. "You know," he said, "this reminds me of the history of nuclear weapons development. When humanity mastered atomic energy technology, we faced the same choice: to use it for destruction, or to use it for construction?"

"What do you mean?" Lynn asked.

“We cannot prevent symbiotic technology from existing, just as we cannot make atomic energy technology disappear,” Banner explained, “but we can choose how to deal with it, how to guide it in a positive direction.”

"So you think we should accept Zeta's offer?" Emma asked.

“I think we should try it,” Dr. Banner nodded, “but with strict conditions and monitoring measures.”

Lynn thought about it for a long time before making a decision: "We accept Zeta's proposal, but in phases. First, we'll establish a pilot project to see how it goes before considering scaling up."

"How exactly does it work?" Alex asked.

“We allow a small number of friendly symbiotes to conduct collaborative experiments with volunteers in a strictly controlled environment,” Lynn planned, “to observe their behavior, test our monitoring and safety measures, and gain experience.”

“Volunteers?” Emily said worriedly. “That’s very risky.”

“Yes, but if we want to truly understand symbiotes, we must take certain risks,” Lynn said firmly. “Of course, we will take all possible safety precautions.”

“I’d like to volunteer,” Alex said suddenly.

"What?" Everyone stared at him in shock.

“I’ve already established communication with Zeta, and my abilities may help maintain balance,” Alex explained. “If problems arise, I might be able to identify and address them promptly.”

“It’s too dangerous,” Sarah objected. “What if you get controlled?”

“That’s why we need your surveillance,” Alex responded, “and someone has to take the first step.”

Lynn carefully considered the proposal. "Alex, I admire your courage, but this decision cannot be made hastily. We need more preparation and more comprehensive security measures."

“I understand,” Alex nodded, “but I hope you will consider this possibility.”

Just then, the lab's communicator rang, and Deputy Director Stone's voice came through: "Lynn, please come to my office immediately. We've received urgent reports from all over the world."

"What kind of report?" Lynn asked.

“Suspicious paranormal activity has been reported in London, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Brasilia,” Deputy Director Stone said gravely. “It seems your intelligence is accurate.” Lynn exchanged glances with his team members; everyone realized the gravity of the situation.

“I’m coming right away,” Lynn replied, then turned to the team. “It seems we don’t have much time to prepare. Symbiotes around the world may have already begun their operations.”

“Then what do we do?” Peter asked.

“We’ll continue as planned, but at a faster pace,” Lynn decided. “Alex, you continue communicating with Zeta to gather more information. Dr. Banner, you begin researching symbiote identification technology. The rest of you, be ready to support operations in other areas at any time.”

"Received," everyone nodded in agreement.

In Deputy Director Stone's office, a large screen displayed urgent reports from around the world. Abnormal biological activity was observed in London's sewer system; numerous symbiotic cocoon-like structures were discovered in abandoned subway tunnels in Tokyo; and unidentified energy fluctuations were detected in Los Angeles' sewer network. But the most worrying report came from Brazil.

“The situation in Brasilia is the most serious,” Deputy Director Stone said, pointing to a dark red area marked on the screen. “It’s not just symbiote activity there, it’s a full-blown military rebellion.”

“Military rebellion?” Lynn frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Three days ago, the Campo Grande military base, located on the outskirts of Brasilia, suddenly lost all contact with the outside world,” Stone explained. “Initially, the Brazilian military thought it was a communications malfunction and dispatched an investigation team.”

"Then what?"

“The investigation team found that all personnel within the base were exhibiting unusual behavior,” Stone continued. “They refused to accept external orders, established completely enclosed defensive positions, and began firing on anyone who approached.”

Lynn realized the gravity of the situation: "They've been controlled by the symbiote."

“What’s worse is that Campo Grande is an elite training base for the Brazilian military,” Stone’s expression grew even more serious. “It houses about 1,200 of Brazil’s best special forces soldiers, officers, and technical experts.”

“Twelve hundred professionally trained soldiers,” Emily gasped, “if they were all controlled by the symbiote.”

"That means the symbiote suddenly gained 1,200 hosts with extensive combat experience and military knowledge," Lynn concluded, "which is more dangerous than any threat we've ever faced."

“Indeed,” Stone nodded, “and the situation is deteriorating. According to Brazilian intelligence reports, the symbiotes within the base are beginning to exhibit a high degree of tactical coordination. They are not only maintaining a complete military organizational structure, but also establishing specialized defensive positions around the base.”

The screen switched to satellite imagery, displaying aerial photographs of the Campo Grande military base. It was clear that the previously orderly military installations had undergone significant changes. Numerous new defensive fortifications had appeared around the base, resembling a fusion of some kind of organic structure and traditional military architecture.

"When were these fortifications built?" Dr. Banner asked.

“In just the last three days,” Stone replied, “the construction speed has been incredible, clearly a combination of symbiote technology and human military engineering.”

“What are they doing at the base?” Sarah asked.

“This is the most worrying part,” Stone switched to another image, “Our spy satellites detected signs of significant industrial activity within the base. High temperatures, chemical reactions, metal processing, and so on.”

“They’re manufacturing weapons,” Lynn immediately understood, “utilizing the base’s military facilities and the soldiers’ expertise.”

“Not only that,” Stone continued, “the Brazilian military attempted to send drones for reconnaissance, but all of them were shot down by some kind of unknown electromagnetic weapon. Clearly, they also possessed electronic warfare capabilities.”

“This is no longer a simple infection incident,” Peter analyzed. “It’s a planned military occupation.”

“And this could only be the beginning,” Stone warned. “If the symbiotes in Brasilia successfully establish a military base, they could use it as a base to expand throughout South America.”

Lynn stood up and paced around the office. "We need to act immediately. The longer we wait, the more opportunities they have to consolidate their positions and expand their influence."

“The Brazilian government has requested international assistance,” Stone said. “They realize they cannot solve this problem on their own. The UN Security Council has approved joint action.”

"What kind of joint operation?" Emma asked.

“A joint special forces strike,” Stone explained, “The United States, Britain, and France will all be sending elite units. But given the special nature of the enemy, your special team has been designated as the core force of the operation.”

"When do we leave?" Lynn asked.

“Six hours later,” Stone replied, “the special plane is already prepared. You will meet up with other international forces in Brasilia to develop a detailed attack plan.”

“Wait,” Emily raised a crucial question, “how do we distinguish between controlled soldiers and potentially friendly symbiotes? Based on what we’ve learned from Zeta, there may be individuals within military bases who are unwilling to engage in violence.”

This question made everyone think deeply.

“This is indeed a complex moral and tactical issue,” Lynn acknowledged. “We can’t simply treat all infected personnel as enemies.”

“But how do we make that distinction in combat?” Carlos asked practically. “When a bullet comes flying, we don’t have time to determine whether the shooter was forced to shoot.”

“Perhaps we could bring Alex along,” Sarah suggested. “His communication skills might come in handy on the spot.”

“It’s too dangerous,” Dr. Banner objected. “The military environment is different from a laboratory. What if Alex is attacked while trying to communicate?”

“I’m willing to take the risk,” Alex’s voice came from the doorway. He had been waiting outside and had overheard the entire discussion.

“Alex, this is no joke,” Lynn said seriously. “You will be facing over a thousand highly trained soldiers who, even though they are controlled by the symbiote, still retain their professional combat skills.”

“That’s precisely why we need to try to communicate,” Alex insisted. “If we can identify and contact friendly individuals, we might be able to break down their defenses from within.”

“He makes a good point,” Deputy Director Stone agreed, “and we certainly need all the advantages we can.”

“Okay, but you have to accept strict security measures,” Lynn finally agreed, “and in any dangerous situation, your safety will be the top priority.”

“Agreed,” Alex nodded.

Over the next few hours, the team began intensive mission preparations. Everyone was checking equipment, studying the terrain and building structures of the target area, and analyzing possible tactical options. (End of Chapter)