The tense standoff between the Northrop Grumman CEO and the Lockheed Martin executive took a sharp turn when the former, quicker to react, seized the opportunity to push his company's case after hearing Castle's explanation about the cloaking technology being nearly ready for production.
"Castle," the Northrop CEO began smoothly, "you know Northrop Grumman has unparalleled expertise in turning your lab-based prototypes into real, combat-ready products. Just think about the work we did with your drones, the Jericho missiles, and even the Widowmaker series. We've proven time and again that we can take your concepts and bring them to market smoothly.
"And don't forget, Castle," he continued, "we already have a team of engineers who've worked with you before, ones who understand your design philosophy perfectly. You won't need to waste time building new relationships. So, for this technology, wouldn't it make sense to stick with a trusted partner like us?"
Before he could finish his pitch, however, the Lockheed Martin executive cut him off, unwilling to let his rival gain the upper hand. "Castle, don't let this guy fool you! Sure, they've worked with you before, but look at how they've let you down. Their reputation is... let's just say, questionable. After what they pulled in those Japanese defense contracts, can you really trust them?
"We at Lockheed Martin," he declared with fervor, "don't have that baggage. I promise you, we will be your most reliable partner—your strongest ally. We'll back you up every step of the way. And Castle, our expertise in turning experimental technology into battlefield dominance is second to none."
The two men, whose combined ages likely exceeded 120 years, seemed ready to bicker like children over Castle's attention. Watching this spectacle, Castle couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration. Have I underestimated how significant this cloaking technology is? he wondered.
In truth, Castle had no idea just how revolutionary his optical cloaking system was. For the aerospace giants and the Pentagon, this wasn't just a minor innovation—it was a game-changing leap. Even if the first-generation system could only be installed on subsonic bombers, it had the potential to fundamentally alter the landscape of modern aerial warfare.
For the Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman executives, the stakes were clear. Winning exclusive rights to this technology would secure their dominance for decades to come.
The Northrop CEO's face darkened at the Lockheed Martin executive's pointed jabs about the Japanese defense debacle. He cast a pleading glance at the three Air Force officers present, hoping they might step in to level the playing field. But those officers weren't about to risk offending Lockheed Martin. After all, the Air Force's flagship fighter jet, the F-22 Raptor, was a Lockheed product. Intervening in this corporate slugfest was not a risk they were willing to take.
Sensing that the Northrop CEO was preparing a sharp retort, Castle's long-dormant sense of tact finally kicked in. He quickly interjected to diffuse the situation, "Gentlemen, please. Now's not the time for this debate. I believe the three officers from the Pentagon are here primarily to confirm the accuracy of the claims regarding this technology, correct?"
Relieved to have the topic shifted, the three Air Force officers didn't hesitate to respond. "That's correct, Mr. Castle. We're here not only as representatives of the Air Force to assess the viability of your cloaking system but also for another important matter…"
Castle raised an eyebrow, puzzled. Another matter? What else could they want besides the cloaking system?
What Castle didn't yet realize was that the footage of his drone decloaking and launching missiles, aired by those two pesky TV stations the previous night, had gone viral globally. It had drawn not just the attention of the U.S. military but also of foreign nations. Allies and adversaries alike were now scheming to either acquire or neutralize the technology. Reports reaching the Air Force indicated that nations like the UK, France, and Germany were already mobilizing covert operations, while more hostile nations were plotting even bolder moves.
This urgency was why the Pentagon had sent representatives to Castle's doorstep less than 24 hours after the news broke.
As this realization dawned on Castle, his frustration turned to dread. Am I going to spend the rest of my life being hounded by spies and saboteurs?
Seeing the unease on Castle's face, the two rival CEOs smelled blood in the water. Both were seasoned enough to know that Castle, who valued his privacy and disliked inconvenience, would likely be eager to offload the responsibility for this technology. If they could present themselves as the solution to his problems, their chances of securing the rights would skyrocket.
The Air Force officers, meanwhile, maintained their silence. They had already accomplished their primary objective: confirming the authenticity of Castle's cloaking technology. The drone footage displayed on the monitors in Castle's estate—captured by the cloaked drone hovering over the heads of oblivious reporters—had left no doubt in their minds.
As far as they were concerned, it didn't matter whether Lockheed or Northrop ultimately acquired the technology. Either way, the Air Force would benefit. And with the retrofitting of their existing fleet sure to follow, the officers were guaranteed to reap the political and financial rewards. Intervening in the corporate tug-of-war would only risk alienating one side, so they wisely chose to stay out of it.
While the corporate and military drama unfolded inside the mansion, Beckett and Joe had received a promising report from the Coast Guard. A patrol boat, accompanied by four speedboats and a helicopter, had entered Long Island Sound and successfully encircled the yacht carrying the four "terrorists" and two RPGs. They were simply waiting for the green light to initiate their operation.
Knowing the yacht was securely surrounded, Beckett breathed a sigh of relief. She then radioed Big Ivan, who had positioned his snipers around the van at the south gate.
"Big Ivan," she began, her tone firm, "can your men guarantee a clean, simultaneous kill on both targets in the van? If you're confident, take the shot as soon as you have a clear opportunity. I'm about to authorize the Coast Guard to make their final call to the yacht."
Big Ivan glanced at his snipers, who nodded confidently in response. He relayed this assurance back to Beckett: "Yes, ma'am. We're ready to eliminate both targets in the van with precision shots."
Satisfied, Beckett took a deep breath. She didn't immediately give the Coast Guard the go-ahead to approach the yacht. Instead, she turned to Joe, who had joined her in the command center.
"I'm about to authorize Big Ivan's team and the Coast Guard to move in simultaneously," she explained. "But I'll need you to handle the reporters outside. We can't let them rush the scene after the snipers take down the men in the van."
Joe nodded grimly. "Got it. I'll make sure they stay back."
As Beckett prepared to give the final orders, Castle remained in the mansion, half-listening to the CEOs' renewed pitches while his eyes stayed glued to the drone feed. His frustration grew as he realized he was missing the action outside, but he also knew he couldn't afford to alienate the Pentagon representatives. Answering their questions and placating the rival executives was a necessary evil—for now.
(End of Chapter)
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