"You don't look well." Finding Dr. Goosby vomiting in the bathroom, Jack felt like he'd gone too far.
He was just an ordinary man, after all. He might have expertise in his field, but that didn't mean he could handle sudden life-or-death crises like the special forces of SEAL Team B.
"I'm fine, just a little nervous," Dr. Goosby said, wiping the sour liquid from the corner of his mouth and running a cold shower on his face.
"Just thinking about the fate of this entire city resting in my hands makes my stomach clench."
Jack pulled out a few tissues and handed them to him. "Don't worry about it. We have a backup plan, don't we? All we really need to do is rescue 81 hostages.
Don't think of yourself as a hero saving the world, just do your best."
The doctor had a look of confusion. "Thank you, I feel a lot better now."
"I've worked with Jason Hayes and his SEALs many times. They're the best soldiers I've ever met. As long as we can successfully infiltrate Alcatraz, you only need to focus on the parts you're good at, just like we did in Seoul."
Jack paused, carefully studying Goosby's grim expression. "Of course, if you truly believe you're not up to the task, I'll withdraw on your behalf.
Don't worry, no one will make things difficult for you, let alone cause you any trouble."
Jack's words weren't meant to be hypocritical. He really wanted to take this person with him, but he couldn't force him if he truly didn't want to.
"No, no, no, I'm not withdrawing," Goosby shook his head.
They say a man stays young until he dies. Even if he's in his seventies or eighties, if you give him a transformation device, he'll be able to straighten his hunched back and strike a pose.
Earlier in Korea, the doctor had been opened to a new world. He'd discovered the thrilling life of a field agent in the bureau, a true eye-opener.
Although he hadn't witnessed Jack's rampage in the suite below while he defused a bomb on the rooftop, some things are often more vivid in the imagination than in the flesh.
A chemistry PhD, not content to teach at a university and harm beautiful young women, had instead applied for a job as a chemical weapons expert at the FBI. Goosby had a bit of an adventurous streak in him.
"Give me some time, and I'll recollect my training," the doctor promised.
Just like Red had, all full-time agents, even those in non-field positions, undergo basic training and assessment upon joining the FBI.
Jack smiled, patted Goosby on the shoulder, and offered a little advice.
"OK, it's still early. Even if the higher-ups give the order for action right away, it won't start until late at night. I'll find someone to help you familiarize yourself with the weapons and equipment in advance, and then find a place to have a good rest and get enough energy."
"Then leave him to me." An unexpected voice suddenly appeared, which surprised Jack. Clay leaned against the door of the men's restroom, folded his arms and looked at the two of them with a smile.
"When did you come back?" Jack was a little surprised.
"As soon as the case in Mexico was solved, we flew directly to San Francisco. Everyone is here. Since we are fighting side by side with Team B this time, how can I be left out."
Clay punched Jack on the shoulder, with a joking complaint in his tone.
"Of course I have to hide you, otherwise what if Jason sees you so lively and energetic now and snatches you back to inherit his position as captain?"
Jack also made a joke; it was clear that Clay had already met with his old buddies before coming to him.
"I'm very satisfied with my life now," Clay subconsciously patted his long-recovered left leg, making his position clear.
"Just kidding," Jack punched him in the shoulder. "Then I'll leave Dr. Goolsby to you. Make sure he's in top condition for the operation."
-
After dinner, the team members confirmed for the operation, including veteran British agent Mason, were sent to rest. Only Team B's captain and vice-captain, Jason Hayes, Ray Perry, and Jack stayed behind to discuss the specific details of the operation with several military and FBI operations experts.
"The operation is scheduled for 1 a.m. If all goes well, you can complete the mission objectives before dawn. The early morning fog will provide the best cover for your evacuation. Any other questions?"
Jack frowned after hearing the entire action plan. "Regarding the delivery method, I oppose helicopter delivery to the sea. It's simply unnecessary.
Alcatraz is only a little over 2 kilometers from the coastline at its closest point. We can swim directly to it underwater."
A military expert looked troubled. "Agent Tawole, you may not know that although Alcatraz is located in the bay and has an average depth of only 6 meters, it is covered with rocks and caves, and the seabed is extremely complex, leading to many unpredictable undercurrents.
That's why we designed this delivery plan. First, two Seahawk helicopters will camouflage patrols to deceive the enemy, while your Assault One will enter from low altitude, as close as possible before delivering."
"Wouldn't that still be the same as telling the enemy we're coming? We might as well just go in a rubber boat and hope their searchlights miss us."
Jack looked at Jason speechlessly. He wasn't an expert in this area, but SEALs were professionals at it, with considerable experience. He supposedly could come up with a more reliable method of delivery.
"We could use a 'shallow water transport vehicle' and have an unmanned submersible leading the way to avoid any undercurrents."
Sure enough, Jason and Ray Perry whispered a few words before coming up with a better plan.
The so-called "shallow water transport vehicle," also known as the Mark-8 underwater vehicle, is essentially a small, open submarine capable of single-person control. It has hooks on both sides for carrying additional personnel and equipment.
It can reach 7 knots underwater, meaning that if they launch from Fisherman's Wharf, they could reach Alcatraz in less than 15 minutes.
At 12:00 PM, the President issued the order for the operation, and at 1:00 AM, all the members of the operation donned their diving gear and lined up at the dock.
"Okay, everyone, listen up. Let me repeat the plan." Jason, his face smeared with black waterproof paint, stood before them.
"Mr. Mason is our guide, Jack will follow. Our priority target is those missiles. Dr. Goosby is the expert, and he will be responsible for disarming the missiles' fuses."
He looked at Clay, whose face was also painted. "I'll leave it to you, Clay. I hope your skills haven't faded yet."
Clay puffed out his chest with a confident expression. "Yes, sir!"
"After resolving the threat of those poison gas missiles, we will fire a green flare and await reinforcements. If the priority target cannot be achieved, we will try to rescue the hostages and evacuate on our own. The Air Force will execute the backup plan. Do you understand?"
Jason's eyes flickered across everyone's faces. Except for veteran Agent Mason, everyone, including Jack and a nervous Goosby, puffed out their chests like Clay.
"Understood!"
"Let's go!"
(End of chapter)