Chapter 178: Preparing the Fuxing

Kun Dian Port, 6:30 a. m.

Captain Lin Hai of the battleship‑cruiser *Fuxing* stood on the bridge, clutching the encrypted telegram that had been sent directly from Dubai at 3 a. m.

The telegram was simple, containing only three sentences:

Cancel the Singapore visit and prepare to head to Qingdao immediately.

The visit must be highly public, and the diplomatic department will assign ship‑board reporters.

This mission may carry special risks; your ship must maintain the highest state of readiness.

Lin Hai read the telegram again, then struck a match, watching the paper curl, blacken, and turn to ash in the copper ashtray. Outside, the port began to stir; the wharf rang with the shouts of cargo handlers, and a few gulls perched on the rail outside the bridge, tilting their heads to eye the motionless human.

"Report!"

The voice of Deputy Captain Chen Qiming sounded from behind.

"Captain, the engine room reports that boiler No. 3's piping needs new seals, which will take at least forty‑eight hours. And… Qingdao? Isn't that Deguo's territory? If we go there now, will it cause diplomatic…"

"Deputy Chen," Lin Hai turned, his voice calm but unquestionable, "An order is an order. Have the chief engineer fix the problem within twelve hours, using spare parts or drawing them directly from the shore warehouse. After twelve hours I want to see all boilers running at full load."

Chen Qiming opened his mouth, then stood at attention: "Yes!"

"Also," Lin Hai walked to the chart table, his finger tracing the route from Kun Dian to Qingdao, "Tell the chief navigator that within two hours I want three alternative route proposals. They must account for possible severe weather, mechanical failure… and hostile interception."

The last four words were spoken lightly, but Chen Qiming's pupils visibly contracted.

"Captain, you mean…"

"I said nothing," Lin Hai interrupted, pulling another document from the drawer, "This is the latest readiness assessment of the ship's personnel. Notify all department heads; an emergency meeting will be held at 10 a. m. Also…" He paused, "and conduct proper political work for the crew. This sortie may not be that… calm."

After Chen Qiming left, Lin Hai stood alone on the bridge for a long while. He moved to the starboard observation window and watched the silhouettes of other vessels in the harbor—two Omaha‑class cruisers refueling, and a submarine that had just completed night‑training and was returning, its wake still on the surface.

"Captain Lin."

A gentle voice came from behind. Lin Hai knew who it was without turning—Political Department Director Zhao Wenyuan, a forty‑year‑old former private‑school teacher and now one of the navy's top political workers.

"Director Zhao," Lin Hai turned, "Did you see the order?"

"I have," Zhao walked to his side, the two standing side‑by‑side watching the harbor, "and I guess this isn't just an ordinary visit mission."

"Oh? Why do you say that?"

"First, a normal diplomatic visit is usually announced two weeks or even a month in advance so we can prepare thoroughly—diplomatic protocol training, gift preparation, and so on. This one is too rushed," Zhao adjusted his glasses. "Second, Qingdao is now a sensitive area. Once Europe goes to war, Deguo's colony there becomes a prime target. Going there now is like pouring oil on a fire."

Lin Hai didn't deny it, merely asked, "Then why do you think the higher-ups ordered it this way?"

Zhao was silent for a moment, then said slowly, "I tossed and turned last night, unable to sleep, and recalled a line from *The Art of War*: 'The skillful warrior strikes the enemy without being struck.' If a proactive strike carries risk, it's better to let the opponent move first and then look for flaws in their actions."

"You mean…" Lin Hai's eyes lit up.

"I mean," Zhao's voice dropped even lower, "we may be bait—big, fragrant bait that the opponent can't resist taking a bite of."

The two stared at each other for a few seconds, each seeing the same judgment in the other's eyes.

"If that's the case," Lin Hai looked back at the chart, "we must make this bait enticing enough, yet not let ourselves be swallowed in one bite."

"Hence the need for the highest readiness," Zhao nodded, "It's not just weapons and gear, but the crew's mental preparation. I'll convey this at today's meeting in an appropriate way—our sortie carries a special mission."

At 10 a. m., the officer's conference room aboard the *Fuxing* was packed. Over twenty officers of rank lieutenant and above sat along both sides of the long table, all eyes fixed on Lin Hai.

"Everyone," Lin Hai stood at the head, skipping pleasantries and getting straight to the point, "According to the latest navy command, our ship will cancel the planned Singapore visit and head to Qingdao for a friendly visit to Deguo's Far‑East fleet."

A low murmur rose in the room.

"Captain," Gunnery Officer Wang Zhen guo was the first to raise his hand, his voice booming, "Is heading to Qingdao now too sensitive? Europe is already at war, Japan eyes Shandong, and we're trying to insert ourselves now…"

"That's a decision of the foreign ministry and a navy order," Lin Hai answered calmly, "Our task is to carry it out. However…" He surveyed the room, "Chief Gunnery Officer Wang mentioned a point—sensitive timing. Therefore this sortie I demand the whole ship enter Readiness Level 3."

"Readiness Level 3?" Chief Engineer Liu Ming de frowned, "That means all main and secondary guns must be ready to fire at any moment, ammunition pre‑loaded, boilers kept at at least eighty percent pressure… Such a long voyage will dramatically increase Fuel consumption."

"I've already coordinated the Fuel issue; the navy logistics department will refill all oil and coal tanks within twenty‑four hours," Lin Hai opened the folder before him, "More important is personnel status. Effective today, all leave is cancelled, everyone on duty. We'll conduct two readiness drills daily, covering damage control, gunnery practice, and anti‑air exercises."

He looked at Chief Navigator Zhou Zhiwei: "Navigator Zhou, have the route proposals been completed?"

"Ready, Captain," Zhou Zhiwei rose, walked to the wall chart, and with a pointer highlighted a red‑drawn line, "Depart Kun Dian, pass north of the Natuna Islands, enter the South China Sea, then cross the Taiwan Strait into the East Sea, finally reaching Qingdao. The total is about 2,400 nautical miles; at fifteen knots economic speed it takes six and a half days."

"The Taiwan Strait…" communications officer Li Jing murmured, one of the few female officers aboard, "that area is close to the Japanese control zone."

"Exactly, so we must stay highly alert," Lin Hai continued, "The communications department must monitor public radio channels around the clock, especially frequencies commonly used by the Japanese navy. The radar room must be double‑shifted—our radar is still primitive, but it's better than the naked eye."

Radar Officer Zhang Hao nodded, "Understood, Captain. I'll personally oversee the night shift."

"Very well," Lin Hai closed the folder, "One final point—this mission may not be smooth sailing. I require each department head to have contingency plans for emergencies. The Political Department will assist everyone with the crew's political work. Any questions before we adjourn?"

The conference room fell silent for a few seconds. Then a young voice spoke up.