Seated at the side, computer expert Luther was sifting through all the available online information about Richard Castle. What he found was puzzling, leaving him deeply hesitant. "Ethan, something is off about this writer's profile. A year and a half ago, he seemed ordinary enough.
"But starting earlier this year, his records have not only become sparse but show signs of deliberate obfuscation.
"This indicates one of two things: either he's someone incredibly important, or someone is actively covering for him.
"And here's something interesting—the CIA's intelligence suggests this writer might possess the world's only operational AI. If that's true, it would explain why his online presence is so carefully controlled.
"Are we seriously expected to take on someone like that? Look at this—he's not just a bestselling author in New York; he's also the largest private shareholder of Northrop Grumman, and he holds stakes in both Pratt & Whitney and General Electric's engine divisions.
"Is the agency out of its mind? They want us to mess with someone this powerful?"
Benji, glancing at Luther's laptop, where Castle's staggering résumé was displayed, couldn't hold back his exclamation. "Ethan, this guy isn't just a writer—he's a defense industry mogul! Are we really authorized to conduct operations against someone like this? What's HQ even thinking?
"Without proper clearance for domestic actions, if he catches wind of us, we'd be dead before we even knew what hit us!"
The handsome but diminutive Ethan Hunt wore a grim expression. "You think I want this mission? This directive came straight from the deputy director, bypassing our immediate supervisor. It landed in my lap—what choice do I have?"
Luther, his gaze fixed on Castle's dossier, spoke gravely. "Ethan, I don't know what HQ really wants from us, but based on what I've pieced together, there's an 80% chance this guy has an advanced AI."
Both Ethan and Benji were startled. "How can you be so sure?"
Luther grinned slightly. "You've forgotten my specialty, haven't you? Look here. All of Castle's information and public coverage online predates last year. The recent records show subtle but sophisticated traces of suppression—something only an expert like me could notice.
"Yet the way it's concealed doesn't feel like a human effort. Now, why would a writer install one of the world's most advanced supercomputers in his home? To write novels?
"I don't think so."
Benji wasn't entirely convinced. "Come on, Luther. You're forgetting that Castle is also Northrop Grumman's chief consultant for their latest drones. Couldn't he just be using the supercomputer to help develop UAVs or that tiny but insanely powerful missile we tested recently?"
Before Luther could reply, Ethan interrupted, "Actually, Luther might be right. I haven't shared the mission briefing yet, have I?
"Our objective is to infiltrate or penetrate this writer's supercomputer lab and extract the source code for a tracking program he supposedly developed. This program... well, let's just say it's unparalleled."
After hearing Ethan's description of the mission, both Benji and Luther were visibly disturbed. What kind of organization were they even working for? This was nothing more than a blatant attempt to steal a highly advanced tracking program after failing to acquire it legitimately.
Sure, they were used to their superiors' morally ambiguous tactics in foreign countries. But pulling such underhanded moves domestically, and against someone with such deep connections and resources? That seemed outright delusional.
As the CIA's elite task force, Ethan's team had carried out countless high-risk missions around the globe, often under impossible circumstances. But never before had they been tasked with targeting someone so well-entrenched within the upper echelons of their own nation's power structure.
A tense silence hung in the air as they reviewed Castle's dossier.
Finally, Ethan broke the awkward pause. "We'll head back to the U.S. and scout the site. If the mission proves unfeasible, we'll abort. I have a bad feeling HQ isn't telling us the whole truth. We may be CIA operatives, but we're not disposable cannon fodder.
"Let's evaluate the security of Castle's estate first. According to this file, his property is guarded by thirty former Russian Spetsnaz operatives and outfitted with state-of-the-art security systems. If this mission is impossible, we'll confirm that on-site."
Reluctantly, Benji and Luther agreed. They didn't have much choice but to proceed with the assignment for now. However, they were keenly aware of the near-impossible odds of success. Even Luther, the team's tech wizard, doubted his ability to extract the software from Castle's supercomputer.
Grumbling, the trio booked tickets back to New York from Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport. As they completed the transaction, their names—already flagged in Castle's surveillance system—were immediately detected by J.A.R.V.I.S., who relayed the information to Castle.
"Mozzie, the Impossible Mission Force just boarded a flight from Paris to New York. Three individuals: team leader Ethan Hunt, support and disguise expert Benji Dunn, and tech specialist Luther Stickell. It seems they have a lot of confidence in their so-called elite unit!"
Wearing smart glasses, Castle reviewed security footage from Charles de Gaulle Airport that J.A.R.V.I.S. had intercepted. With a wry grin, he shared the news with Mozzie.
Mozzie, lounging on the couch with a glass of red wine, smirked. "Didn't we agree to capture this team and the kidnappers targeting Martha and Alexis? Let's stick to the plan and make them an example."
Castle nodded. "Agreed. But I'll need to beef up security for Martha and Alexis. If anyone slips through the cracks, it'll be too late to regret it."
Bob, seated nearby, unexpectedly spoke up. "How about this: since your mom's in Southampton, I'll head over there to keep an eye on her. That way, you only have to focus on protecting Alexis."
Surprised by Bob's offer, Castle was about to respond when Bob continued. "Look, I'm a sniper. Stationary surveillance is second nature to me. Plus, I can take Sam along and spend a few days in Southampton—it's a vacation spot, right? I can protect Martha while enjoying the scenery."
Touched by Bob's sincerity, Castle didn't refuse. "Alright. I'll inform the security team there about your presence to avoid misunderstandings. I'll also arrange to rent the house next to my villa—it'll make things easier. Don't argue; the owner knows me, and they might not rent it to you otherwise."
Meanwhile, the Roxette organization, blissfully unaware of Castle's preparations, had no idea they were walking straight into a trap. Castle had dug the pit and was simply waiting for Ethan's team to step in.
Castle had no qualms about apprehending Ethan and his team unharmed. But as for the "kidnappers" targeting his mother and daughter, their fate was already sealed.
Castle couldn't wait to see how Roxette's leader, temporarily heading the CIA, would explain this debacle to the American public once the media got wind of the "kidnappers" being undercover CIA operatives.
To ensure maximum impact, Castle had already planned to invite reporters for a live broadcast the moment the operation concluded. During the broadcast, he would reveal the identities of the so-called kidnappers, delivering a devastating blow to Roxette's credibility.
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