Chapter 189: Triple Strike
The corner of Yorinobu's mouth twitched, as if wanting to retort, but Takayama gave him no chance. He immediately threw out a second reason, one that touched more upon the current situation: "Moreover, the people of Night City have a fear of nuclear explosions carved into their genes.
"Once we press that button, the last shred of goodwill we retain in North America and Night City will completely collapse.
"At that time, we won't just be facing the enemy before us, but the fury and desperate resistance of the entire city. We are not here to create a radioactive wasteland and become public enemy number one!"
"Enough!" Yorinobu growled low, interrupting him. But his aggressive momentum seemed slightly checked by the phrase "public enemy number one." He waved his hand irritably. "So we just let them hide behind that turtle shell and mock us?!"
Shintaro Takayama keenly caught this hint of loosening. He immediately threw out the most practical worry, one most capable of shaking a military commander's resolve, his tone heavy: "Furthermore, my Lord, we cannot even guarantee that a nuclear strike will succeed. The technology the enemy has displayed already exceeds our understanding.
"If... if their shield can withstand even a nuclear explosion, or even just partially, then Arasaka will simultaneously bear the infamy of using taboo weapons and the shame of total military failure!
"This would be an irrevocable disaster. Not to mention, it would inevitably trigger reciprocal retaliation from Militech, perhaps even dragging us into the abyss of total nuclear war! This is absolutely not a situation Saburo-sama wishes to see!"
Hearing the name "Saburo-sama," Yorinobu Arasaka's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.
The fierce anger on his face receded slowly like a tide, not dissipating, but settling into something darker and colder.
He fell silent, his gaze returning to that damned blue shield on the holographic sandbox, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the metal edge of the table.
Dead silence reigned in the bridge. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the final decision of this capricious heir.
A few seconds later, a cold snort carrying suppressed anger and extreme unwillingness issued from Yorinobu's nose.
He raised his eyes, glancing at Shintaro Takayama. The look was complex and hard to read—there was the displeasure of being persuaded, a trace of calmness after weighing pros and cons, and even... perhaps hidden in the deepest, coldest depths, a hint of regret that his plan failed.
"...You are right." His voice was hoarse, carrying the exhaustion of forcibly suppressing rage. "Nuclear weapons... are a last resort, a scream of despair, not the display of power Arasaka should show."
He paused, as if every word was difficult to say, but this fit the image of a proud man forced to accept reality even better. "Then, Uncle Takayama, tell me. Aside from mutual destruction, what methods do we have to smash this damned shield?"
Seeing Yorinobu finally persuaded, Takayama's tense shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly.
He immediately pulled up the White Whale's equipment manifest, his voice returning to a professional and steady tone. "Yorinobu-sama, rest assured. The White Whale battle group carries a complete heavy assault equipment system, fully capable of handling the current situation."
He smoothly brought up several equipment interfaces, speaking steadily and confidently. "Yorinobu-sama, we have brought complete heavy siege equipment. Please allow the technical staff officer to explain the specific performance parameters to you in detail."
A young staff officer standing nearby immediately stepped forward, beginning his report in a well-trained tone: "'Amaterasu' Heavy Directed Energy Cannon Array. Range: fifteen kilometers. Capable of heating a target area to eight thousand degrees Celsius within 0.3 seconds. Extremely effective for dissipating energy shields."
He switched the screen and continued, "'Takemikazuchi' Electromagnetic Railgun System. Uses special depleted uranium penetrators. Muzzle velocity reaches Mach 7. Single shot penetration is sufficient to pierce three layers of composite armor.
"According to simulation data, continuous hits on the same area can cause cumulative damage to the shield structure."
"As for the 'Susanoo' Gravity Field Generator," the officer's voice carried a hint of caution, "this is the latest equipment. Effective radius: fifty meters. Can instantly generate a pressure field of thirty times standard gravity.
"However, system stability is still under testing, and range is limited. Suggested for use as a decisive finishing move."
A sharp glint flashed in Yorinobu Arasaka's eyes, but his tone remained restrained. "Then, what is the specific deployment plan?"
Shintaro Takayama took over, unfolding a deployment schematic on the tactical sandbox. His fingers skillfully marked several key positions. "We will adopt a multi-dimensional strike tactic.
"First, the 'Amaterasu' array will be rapidly deployed at the forward positions. We expect all preparations to be completed within 2 hours, commencing continuous energy burning of the shield."
His finger slid across several key nodes of the shield as he continued. "Simultaneously, the 'Takemikazuchi' system will be positioned on the high ground along the coastline, ready to execute precise kinetic strikes at any time.
"Once any fluctuation appears in the shield, the 'Susanoo' system will immediately move in close under the escort of powered armor troops to activate, creating gravity anomalies inside the shield. This triple strike is interlinked. We expect a resolution within 4 hours."
"What is the operational sequence?" Yorinobu pressed, eyes fixed on the deployment icons on the sandbox.
Shintaro Takayama responded immediately, his voice decisive. "Phase One: Zero to two hours, complete all equipment deployment and energy connections. Phase Two: Two to four hours, continuous suppression by 'Amaterasu' array. Phase Three: From four hours onward, commit subsequent strike forces based on shield status. The entire operation is expected to achieve a breakthrough within six hours."
"This timetable is still too conservative," Yorinobu said coldly, his long fingers tapping unconsciously on the console. "Compress deployment time to ninety minutes. I want to see a substantial breakthrough within three hours."
Takayama pondered briefly, his gaze quickly scanning the data on the tactical interface, then nodded affirmatively. "This will require mobilizing all engineering units for coordinated operation, but it is achievable. I will adjust the deployment plan immediately to ensure all combat preparations are completed within ninety minutes."
"Execute it." Yorinobu's gaze cast back toward the distant coastline shrouded by the shield, his voice carrying unquestionable resolve. "Let the wrath of the gods thoroughly crush this eyesore of a barrier."
The moment the order was given, the atmosphere in the bridge changed abruptly. Shintaro Takayama turned immediately to the combat staff, issuing clear instructions: "Initiate 'Operation Daybreak' contingency plan immediately. Notify Engineering Department: all powered armor units are to engage in deployment operations. Logistics Department: ensure priority laying of energy lines."
"Yes, sir!" The staff officers answered in unison, then moved swiftly into action.
The Chief of Staff switched comms channels: "All engineering teams, attention. Deploy immediately according to Plan Alpha. Repeat, execute Plan Alpha immediately."
The Fire Support Coordinator issued synchronous commands: "'Amaterasu' array priority deployment. Target area marked. Requirement: complete energy connection and enter standby for firing within ninety minutes."
The entire Arasaka fleet instantly entered a state of high-speed operation. Transport hatches opened one after another. Engineering troops, assisted by powered armor, rapidly constructed firing positions. Thick energy cables were laid at unprecedented speeds, transporting energy like blood vessels to various combat units. Inside the bridge, the sound of communications rose and fell as departments coordinated this massive combat preparation tensely but methodically.
Before the command console, Yorinobu Arasaka watched it all quietly. A flash of imperceptible satisfaction passed through his cold eyes—this meticulously planned siege operation was about to raise its curtain.
(End of Chapter)