A nation's industrial development begins with junior engineers.

Our soldiers are battling the leaky, tangled roots.

Comrades Dequn and Zhonghua finally figured out the whole story behind the early arrival of the 03 submarine through a digital radio that was a generation ahead of its time.

It turns out that when Company Commander Tang said his brothers would arrive in a few days, he wasn't just being stubborn.

The higher-ups did indeed arrange for this group of elite soldiers to go abroad.

However, at that time, the exit of Chinese personnel was strictly blocked by the West. When these elite soldiers submitted their exit applications, the relevant comrades scratched their heads for three days without any luck.

Of course, there must be some hidden talents in the workplace. And so, a certain brilliant and clever person had a sudden inspiration:

Hey, aren't there two Type 03 submarines that are to be transferred to the Kuril Islands?

When a submarine goes on a long voyage, someone has to sail it, right? Besides the essential crew, there must be some spare berths on board, right?

Since they all have the same destination and there aren't too many of them, why not just give these soldiers a ride?

Since this submarine is a "gift" of friendly supplies and not fully equipped for combat, why not let these comrades "hitch a ride" in the empty space? It's a friendly delivery, the route safety is relatively guaranteed, and the delivery can be carried out in an absolutely covert manner.

This rather "creative" plan was originally still open to discussion, but just then, the great news of "capturing an advanced Japanese submarine" arrived.

After a preliminary investigation, technicians from Jiangnan Factory and other units excitedly assured them that the technology could be digested and absorbed! They also proposed upgrading the already completed Type 03.

Upon hearing this, the higher-ups immediately had a bright idea: Great! Since we have a better "sample", let's just send the existing Type 03 ship away as planned. This will fulfill the agreement (at least partially) and free up the slipway and manpower, allowing us to focus all our efforts on developing the improved version!

Anyway, this first batch of Type 03 was an early trial production batch, and there were indeed some "questionable" aspects in the process. Giving it to our "friendly neighbor" to use is a way to make the best use of it.

To paraphrase a seasoned veteran: "Just get it done first. If there are any minor issues, let the other party get used to it first, and we'll deal with it later if it breaks down!"

We'll deal with it if it breaks...

Well, it's one thing for ships on the surface, but are you sure that people working underwater would say such things?

"Pah! I'm lucky to even have one! I don't even have a new submarine to play with yet!"

The boss was furious, and his subordinates obediently complied.

However, the relevant staff prepared a large quantity of various repair tips and spare parts.

Thus, driven by the combined needs of "digesting new technologies," "clearing out old production capacity," and "incidentally transporting personnel," this Type 03 submarine, which should have been "reworked" or at least delayed in delivery, was thus "speedily" and "enthusiastically" sailed all the way to the doorstep of the archipelago nation.

……

After hearing the news from the radio, Chen Zhongming and Zhang Dequn looked at each other, unsure of what expression to make.

After all that fuss, while they racked their brains trying to figure out how to postpone and avoid risks, back home, due to a series of unforeseen circumstances and pragmatic, even somewhat cunning, considerations, they directly sent the "goods" overseas!

"This...this is really..." Chen Zhongming opened his mouth, but couldn't find the right words for a long time.

Zhang Dequn rubbed his temples, the cold smile on his face turning into a helpless, bitter one. Finally, he shook his head and uttered:

"Alright, now... there's no way to avoid the handover. Notify them to proceed as planned, at night, at the outer anchorage of Tanjung Buruk, a secret handover will take place. The operation must be swift and covert!"

"However, with so many comrades skilled in warfare arriving, we might see some different news in the newspapers..."

Upon hearing Zhang Dequn's words, Comrade Zhong Hua rubbed his chin and said, "I think it would be better if some of our technical personnel were to be withdrawn back, under the pretext of submarine training..."

"It needs further consideration! I'll report back later!"

Regardless of the wording these two old men were trying to come up with for their report, they were pulling their hair out in frustration.

Our Company Commander Tang is very nervous right now.

Company Commander Tang squatted in the cabin of a dilapidated fishing boat, checking his watch for the hundredth time by the faint moonlight streaming through the porthole.

"Johnson, double-check the signal frequency and code word."

Plans can't keep up with changes. The news that his family had sent him and the "goods" together only reached him and Johnson through emergency channels a few hours earlier. Originally just undercover agents, the two now had a much heavier burden on their shoulders.

Not only did they have to receive that hot potato, but they also had to safely escort the dozen or so fully armed brothers who were unfamiliar with the area.

"Don't worry, Company Commander, I've checked it three times." The young man from Johnson huddled in another corner, clutching a modified transceiver disguised as a fishing radio. His face was less carefree than usual, and more tense.

Time ticked by, and the only sounds on the sea were the wind and the waves crashing against the ship. Just as Company Commander Tang was about to doubt whether they had missed the rendezvous window, Qiang Sheng suddenly exclaimed, "They're here!"

On the distant, dark sea, three faint green lights flashed rhythmically, their intervals distinct. It was the agreed-upon signal!

"Respond!" Company Commander Tang immediately gave the order.

Johnson quickly picked up the flashlight covered with a red cloth and returned the pre-determined red flashing signal in the direction of the signal.

Gradually, a streamlined black shadow, darker than the night itself, emerged from the water like a giant beast, slowly breaking through the waves and approaching the hidden anchorage where the fishing boat was located.

It was that Type 03 submarine that had come from afar!

It did not turn on its navigation lights; only a few dim operational lights shone from the control tower, appearing like ghosts under the cover of night.

Okay… the ghost I mentioned above was an idealized version. Company Commander Tang felt that the submarine was making far more noise than his fishing boat…

The fishing boats were banging...banging...banging...

The submarine is making a series of loud thuds and booms, and if you add a suona horn, it could be a scene from a traditional Chinese folk opera.

"Pah... well, let them have what they deserve!"

"That lazy baboon at home is sure to come up with something even better!"

The submarine’s massive black body floated silently beside the fishing boat, making the boat look as tiny as a toy in comparison.

The hull was still covered with seaweed and salt stains brought on by the long voyage, gleaming damply in the moonlight. Repair marks near the sea valve were still faintly visible, silently telling the story of the near-disaster that had just occurred.

The hatch on the submarine's foredeck slid open silently, and several dark figures leaped out nimbly, quickly securing cables to the submarine and connecting it to the fishing boat.

Then, more silent figures filed out and boarded the fishing boat with swift and orderly movements.

"Company commander!"

"Report! All accompanying personnel have been received! No casualties, and equipment is complete!"

By the moonlight, Company Commander Tang quickly scanned the young and resolute faces, confirming they were all familiar brothers, and felt somewhat relieved. He patted the squad leader's shoulder forcefully, everything understood without words.

"Company Commander! What's our mission this time?"

"Just like ten years ago! Protect the people!"

"Yes!"