Chapter 335: Interception Plan
The problem with the container was solved, but how to safely and covertly transport the two massive creatures from the research institute to the Enterprise, hidden in a valley dozens of kilometers away, remained a huge obstacle before everyone.
Discussions reached a stalemate at one point; conventional transport methods were either too conspicuous or technically unfeasible.
Ultimately, Akira proposed a plan: "Based on an analysis of the logistical capabilities of this era, the institute's transfer of the whales will inevitably require the use of large, specialized transport vehicles. The most efficient plan is to intercept it during transit. Executed by Mann's squad, they will seize control of the transport vehicle and personnel, moving the vehicle along with the whale container to the vicinity of the Enterprise. As long as the operation is swift, ensures no casualties, and leaves behind precious metals far exceeding the vehicle's value as compensation, the risk of spacetime contamination is within a controllable range."
This plan was simple, direct, and even carried a bit of the street-style typical of the Cyberpunk world, somewhat out of place with the principles Starfleet usually followed.
After hearing this, Kirk's brows furrowed tightly. He instinctively rejected this behavior that bordered on robbery.
But after repeatedly weighing the options, he had to admit that under immense time pressure and lacking better alternatives, this was indeed the method with the highest probability of success.
He finally nodded heavily, but strictly declared to Akira that no one must be harmed during the operation, and the compensation had to be paid in full.
While Kirk was agonizing over the ground operation plan, Spock took a completely different approach to handle the relationship with the mission targets—the whales themselves.
He believed that bringing two living beings across centuries of time to a completely unfamiliar environment required ethically obtaining their own consent.
Thus, with Dr. Taylor's assistance, Spock silently slipped into the water and approached George and Gracie.
Utilizing the Vulcans' unique telepathic abilities, he carefully established a preliminary mental connection with these two massive marine creatures.
It was a deep-level communication. He transmitted the future crisis, the threat facing Earth, and the role they needed to undertake in a way that transcended language.
He also felt the vast wisdom of the whales, their deep attachment to the ocean, and the budding willingness to shoulder responsibility for the broader biosphere.
The plan steadily advanced in a bizarre, mixed-and-matched style.
The members of Mann's squad unequipped their signature heavy combi-weapons and plasma gear; these absolute killing machines on future battlefields were clearly too shocking for the streets of the 20th century.
They managed to conceal their overly obvious combat cybernetics and optical sensors with baggy jackets, bandanas, and exaggerated accessories, trying hard to blend into the unconventional crowds of youths on the streets of San Francisco.
The effect was surprisingly good.
Their aura, tempered by street survival, and their deliberately somewhat futuristic "retro" outfits actually made them look like a group of highly avant-garde rock musicians or extreme hippies.
On the way to the designated reconnaissance spot, some local hippies actually approached them on their own initiative, curiously asking where they got their "bionic tattoos" and "mods," praising their look as "simply extraterrestrial."
Jack fully utilized his ability to deal with all walks of life. Grinning, he used a few peculiar but functionally simple gadgets from Night City he carried with him—like a keychain that could project a simple hologram, or an audio generator that emitted weird sound effects—to successfully brush them off, taking the opportunity to cozy up to these "local guides."
He passed over a few synthetic-flavored but uniquely tasting "cigarettes." Amidst the smoke and casual chatter, he seamlessly steered the conversation toward specialized transport businesses in the city, especially regarding the movement of large vehicles for the marine research institute.
These street youths were clearly well-informed about the goings-on in the city. Chattering over one another, they provided quite a bit of useful information, such as what model of large flatbed trailers the institute usually used, which transport company they frequently collaborated with, and even vaguely mentioned rumors of a "big thing" being moved soon.
These fragmented pieces of intelligence, quickly sorted and analyzed by Valerie, provided valuable reference points regarding the time, location, and characteristics of the target vehicle for Mann's squad's subsequent interception operation.
Before the operation even began, Mann's squad had already gathered first-hand critical information on the streets of the target era, relying on their unique "localized" disguise.
When Jack brought back detailed information about the transport vehicle and combined it with the city traffic data and the institute's internal schedule gathered by Akira, a clear action plan was swiftly formulated at the temporary command post.
Akira projected a simulated route onto the map. He calmly explained: "Based on the current data model, after the transport vehicle leaves the institute, there is an 87 percent probability it will merge onto the main road via this side street next to Golden Gate Park. This section of the road has a relatively open view, but traffic is sparse in the afternoon, and the trees on both sides offer some concealment. This is the optimal interception point."
He paused, his gaze turning toward the two female members of the squad.
"The key to this operation lies in precision and speed, avoiding any unnecessary entanglement. Valerie, you will be in charge of on-site command and intelligence support, monitoring the surrounding communications and police channels. Mael, your Sandevistan system is the key to instantly controlling the situation. The core of the operation will be executed by the two of you."
He further detailed: "Mann will lead Dorio and Falco to stand by in the adjacent block as a quick response force to handle any unplanned situations. Jack, you are responsible for creating a small, non-destructive traffic distraction at the intersection before the operation begins, such as faking a vehicle breakdown. The goal is to slightly delay any potential unrelated vehicles to create a window for the operation."
With the plan clarified, execution day arrived quickly.
In the afternoon, a large, specialized transport vehicle slowly approached. Inside the trailer was the custom-made tank holding George and Gracie.
The driver was a middle-aged man in work clothes, casually humming along to a pop song on the radio, completely unaware of what was about to happen.
Just as the vehicle was about to turn, Jack, driving an old pickup truck obtained with the help of the hippies, suddenly "stalled" and stopped slightly ahead of the intersection. He jumped out of the truck, popped the hood with a "frustrated" look, conveniently blocking the direct line of sight from the vehicles behind.
Almost at the same time, a blurry figure flashed out from the shadows of the trees on the side at a speed surpassing the limits of human visual capture—Mael activated her Sandevistan.
Like a phantom, she silently closed in on the driver's cab. Before the driver could react, she neatly opened the door, pressing the cold back of her sonic blade precisely against his carotid artery, while her other hand swiftly killed the engine.
"Don't move, don't make a sound. Cooperate with us, and you won't get hurt." Her voice was chillingly calm, devoid of any fluctuation.
Simultaneously, Valerie appeared from the other side. She quickly scanned the vehicle and the driver, confirming there were no hidden alarm devices or weapons, and reported in a low voice over encrypted comms: "Target secured. Environment clear."
The entire process took less than ten seconds.
Mann and Dorio watched their surroundings vigilantly from a vehicle further away, while Falco monitored the distance from a high vantage point.
Everything was under control.