Not wanting to pay more attention to the Brotherhood of Assassins, a group of lunatics, Castle redirected the topic back to Vincent Adler, the old man who deserved more attention: "Mozzie, are you sure this guy will start the salvage operation today?"
Before Mozzie could speak, the little chubby guy sitting next to him, eavesdropping on the gossip, immediately chimed in with excitement: "Uncle Rick, Mozzie and I have confirmed Vincent's actions. Based on the plans we overheard using the laser eavesdropping device on the drone, Vincent indeed intends to start the final salvage of the submarine today. If you look at the drone's surveillance, you can see they've already installed the self-inflating equipment to aid the salvage, and the steel cables needed for the operation are all in place. They've tied the cables in several sections to avoid damaging the submarine that's been submerged for decades..."
Mozzie continued the introduction: "Yes, Harry is right. Judging by the activity on the deck of the semi-submersible salvage ship, it should be today. I also think Vincent is likely to complete the final preparations during the day and then salvage the submarine under the cover of night. So, today from daytime to evening is a very crucial period!
By the way, Rick, I almost forgot to mention, this morning I received a call from Director Mark of Northrop Grumman. They hope to start negotiations with us as soon as possible regarding the transfer of the drone flight control system. Additionally, they proposed including the drone body manufacturing technology and blueprints in the transfer negotiations. I didn't agree but promised to relay the message to you before replying. What do you think?"
Hearing Mozzie's words, both Gianna and John looked at Castle with interest. Because of herself and John, Castle had already licensed his drone's body design and the crucial semi-intelligent flight control system to an Italian aircraft manufacturing company in which Gianna had shares, for a price Gianna was very satisfied with. This company is now organizing efforts to assimilate the drone blueprints Castle provided, intending to produce two prototype aircraft to bid to the military of various EU countries.
This move not only significantly increased Castle's assets but also substantially boosted Gianna's shares in the aircraft manufacturing company. Gianna's current holdings make her the second-largest shareholder, only behind the Fiat Group. Hearing that America's third-largest arms company has now shifted its focus from just the flight control system to the equally important drone body design, Gianna realized that Castle's good friend would make another huge profit this time!
Unexpectedly, Castle maintained his previous irresponsible demeanor, spreading his hands: "Mozzie, didn't I say you can handle this as my full representative? Buddy, you are my legal advisor and negotiation representative, be confident, I trust you. Look how well you handled the negotiations with Gianna's Italian subordinates. What's the big deal with Northrop? I support you!"
Mozzie and Gianna found Castle's shameless words both amusing and admirable. Castle's message was clear: if you trust someone, trust them completely. Since this matter was formally entrusted to Mozzie, Castle showed complete faith in him.
Although the previous negotiations with Gianna's subordinates went smoothly due to personal connections, they also served as practice for dealing with aircraft manufacturing companies. Mozzie now doesn't worry about negotiating with Northrop, but due to the new negotiation content, it was necessary to inform Castle.
Castle's approach, besides earning Mozzie's admiration for his generosity, left little else to say. This was not like the previous underground transaction involving the scepter but a legal business deal of significant value. This time, the transaction amount would be much higher, considering the world's most advanced drone control system and body design might sell for a ten-figure sum. Castle's European aircraft manufacturing company used transfer authorization for production and installment payments due to personal connections, but for Northrop Grumman, a financially robust company, it would be a lump-sum purchase. Mozzie's negotiation could involve a ten-figure deal.
Time passed as the five chatted casually. Castle even called Neal, who was stuck working on a case with his FBI partner Peter Burke, to update him on the progress and Vincent's actions. Not being able to say much over the phone, Castle vaguely mentioned 'it started' before hanging up.
Unable to call Alex to the manor due to FBI surveillance of her and Neal, the unlucky couple had to get updates over the phone.
Mozzie's prediction was spot on. Around dusk, the drone's surveillance showed Vincent organizing a dive team to start salvaging the submarine. However, even with all preparations in place, the WWII submarine submerged at a depth of fifty to sixty meters wasn't easily salvaged. Despite Vincent's efforts from dusk till deep into the night, the submarine remained underwater, not as easily retrieved as he had hoped.
Those waiting in the manor, except Castle, Mozzie, and the energetic chubby Harry, retired early. Gianna, pregnant, was the first to leave, followed by John, persuaded by Castle to attend to Gianna. The three remaining kept watch by the monitors all night.
Despite their efforts, Vincent couldn't salvage the submarine overnight. It was unclear whether the lifting equipment was insufficient or they feared detonating the explosives onboard. By dawn, Vincent's first salvage attempt ended in failure.
Castle and Mozzie found the result acceptable. If Vincent had easily retrieved the submarine, they might suspect he was the chosen one. The failure showed Vincent valued the submarine's integrity, indicating he wouldn't quickly or secretly salvage it.
The chubby Harry, unlike Castle and Mozzie, couldn't stay calm and fidgeted restlessly, amusing Castle and Mozzie. Mozzie comforted the obviously disappointed Harry: "Harry, this result is normal. Salvaging a sunken ship isn't always smooth, especially with Rick's mention of explosives onboard. Vincent must be extremely careful to avoid detonating them. His desire for the art and treasures aboard means he won't take unnecessary risks. Stopping at the first sign of trouble is a wise and correct choice."
Understanding Mozzie's reminder to keep a level head, Harry, who had made significant progress recently, nodded sincerely: "I know, but I can't help it. Rick said the submarine is filled with precious artifacts looted by the Nazis across Europe. I just want to see them and widen my horizons."
Harry's words amused Castle and Mozzie. Mozzie, smiling, promised: "Alright, when your Uncle Rick brings them back, I'll give you a personal art appreciation lesson..."
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