Chapter 260: A Reasonable Coincidence
Capturing Lieutenant Colonel Cross was only part of the mission; once the conversion was complete, the Swarm would need to return her undetected.
Thus, to ensure the success of subsequent plans, the Swarm’s displayed abilities during the capture operation had to remain within the bounds of what the Riken people could plausibly accept.
Fortunately, with over a hundred “operatives” already embedded, the Swarm overcame this formidable challenge.
First, the Swarm needed to isolate Cross Base from external reinforcements.
This problem had been anticipated when the “operatives” were initially sent back. By exposing the survival of Riken personnel, the Swarm knew that, regardless of the circumstances, the commanders would initiate rescue operations.
The Swarm’s deliberate reduction of patrol team members near the “grain storehouses” proved to be a meaningful ploy.
The Riken people, “luckily” noticing this trend, were compelled to expedite their operations.
The Swarm’s plan involved luring forces from other bases deep into underground nests while occupying them with drawn-out skirmishes. Meanwhile, a massive swarm would gather to launch a blitz on Cross Base.
The plan unfolded surprisingly smoothly. While the Riken demonstrated caution—using flamethrowers to clear paths slowly rather than advancing recklessly—most of Cross Base’s military strength was dispatched to support other bases.