"First squad, maintain vigilance. Second squad, clear the site. Move quickly."
The soldiers wasted no words and quickly dispersed.
They pulled out the tactical daggers and sampling tubes from their waists.
Black and red viscous liquid flowed all over the ground, emitting a foul stench.
One soldier carefully searched through it with tweezers for a while, finding only clumps of diseased brain tissue.
"Report to Command, sample inspection complete."
The soldier's voice was calm and professional.
"High-concentration virus stock solution and mutated spinal cord samples have been extracted and are currently being sealed."
Taylor's orders came through the channel.
"Attention all personnel, prioritize collecting biological samples. We need to know the composition of this virus. Move quickly. After sampling is complete, immediately establish a defense line."
The soldiers moved swiftly.
They took out specially made lead-sealed sampling tubes and began collecting blood, muscle tissue, and even teeth.
All of this was done strictly according to the procedures of the biochemical unit, without the slightest delay.
The second Taylor finished his report, Steve's steady and clear voice resonated through the consciousness link in the minds of every frontline soldier, and also echoed in the Fortress' command hall.
"Vanguard Unit, establish a circular defensive position centered on your current location, and be vigilant in all directions."
"Technical Personnel, immediately collect surrounding air, soil, and water samples, activate portable biochemical detectors, and conduct preliminary analysis."
"Crucially confirm whether unknown viral aerosols or spores exist in the air. Before we determine whether this virus is airborne, absolutely no potential risks must pass through the Portal."
"Repeat, until absolute biosecurity is confirmed, the Portal will operate under one-way control: entry only, no exit."
Upon receiving the orders, the soldiers on the screen immediately sprang into efficient action.
Defensive circles spread layer by layer, with dark gun muzzles pointing at every corner of the ruins.
Several soldiers carrying special sampling boxes quickly stepped forward and began to busy themselves in front of the instruments at the workstation.
Fifteen minutes later, the preliminary test report was sent back.
"Reporting to Director, air composition analysis complete. Oxygen content is slightly lower than Earth's, and various unknown organic compounds are present, but no high-concentration viral aerosols were found."
"Preliminary assessment suggests non-airborne transmission. The primary infection routes should be bodily fluid contact and biting."
In the command hall, everyone unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.
Non-airborne transmission meant that the worst-case scenario had not occurred, greatly increasing the feasibility of establishing a safe zone.
There was no surprise on Steve's face; this 100% certainty was exactly what he wanted.
He turned to look at General Randy, his tone decisive.
"Randy, notify the Enderman Engineer Corps to bring in the first batch of construction materials."
"Yes, sir."
As soon as the order was given, action commenced.
On the Minecraft World side, the Enderman Engineer formation, already assembled and waiting, instantly picked up the piled-up construction materials beside them at the officer's command.
These were high-strength alloy fences specially made by domestic steel factories.
There were even incredibly heavy blocks of obsidian, used to construct core defensive nodes.
The next second, the Portal's purple light flickered violently, like a swarm of bees passing through.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Tall, black figures, carrying heavy building materials, appeared in the ruins of the Zombie World.
They paid no attention to their surroundings, immediately beginning work according to the blueprints already uploaded to their minds.
There were no cranes, no mixers, only teleportation.
Endermen laying foundations instantly appeared at designated locations with concrete slabs.
Endermen building walls precisely inserted alloy fences into the ground, while another instantly appeared at the top to weld and reinforce them.
Those responsible for the core fortifications worked together to meticulously stack blocks of obsidian, building shelters capable of withstanding heavy artillery bombardment.
In the silent ruins, apart from the occasional roar of zombies, a small forward operating base, integrating modern technology and Minecraft blocks, was rising at a visible speed.
Watching the bustling construction on the screen, Steve's eyes flashed with a cold light as he asked the crucial question.
"Randy, has the Air Force finished modifying the armed helicopters?"
He paused, his tone calm.
"If they're ready, I suggest immediately carrying out the first round of Thermobaric Bomb carpet bombing within a three-kilometer radius outside the base, especially in areas with dense zombie populations. We need a sufficiently wide, absolutely safe zone."
No sooner had he spoken than a Combat Staff Officer, bearing the rank of Senior Colonel, slammed his fist heavily on the control panel, his eyes filled with excitement.
"Director's insight is brilliant! This is exactly what we should do."
"In these areas of extremely high zombie density, conventional clearing is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and easily puts our troops in danger."
"Using Thermobaric Bombs not only efficiently purifies the area, but the high temperature, high pressure, and hypoxic environment they create also maximize virus destruction, making it the optimal choice."
Another staff officer, wearing glasses, with an elegant demeanor but sharp eyes, pushed up his spectacles and added.
"At the same time, we must immediately build a top-standard Isolation and Disinfection Facility at the Portal exit."
"All personnel, equipment, and even a grain of sand returning from the Other World must undergo a four-stage disinfection procedure involving high temperature, strong acid, ultraviolet light, and particle beams to ensure absolute safety before entering the Minecraft World or returning to Earth."
"This defense line is more important than any military defense line."
"Good."
Steve stood up abruptly, his voice echoing throughout the command center.
"Proceed with this plan."
"One: The Engineer Corps will prioritize the construction of the Isolation and Disinfection Facility."
"Two: Frontline troops will hold their positions and await reinforcements, preparing to advance after the bombing."
After issuing the orders, Steve looked at General Randy, his eyes inquiring about the progress of the armed helicopters.
General Randy glanced at the newly compiled report, frowned slightly, but then relaxed.
"Steve, the Air Force just reported that although the Neural Link System is complete, the dust filters for the air intakes still need final wind tunnel testing and reinforcement to adapt to the Other World's special airflow environment."
"But it will be soon, at most one more day, and the first batch of Modified Z-10 Attack Helicopters will be ready."
"One day? We can wait."
Steve nodded, glancing at the huge Portal.
"Anyway, the Portal is large enough, with no opening restrictions."
"Once the helicopters are modified, they can fly in directly in formation and conduct a thorough purge of that world."
Since the overall situation on the front line was settled, the rest was routine advancement and slaughter, not requiring him, the Director, to constantly monitor every minute detail.
Steve withdrew his gaze, straightened his collar, and walked towards the exit of the command hall, speaking to General Randy beside him as he went.