The first test flight for maximum range and air-launched missile tests was a resounding success. Although the upgraded aircraft, with its enhanced engine power and reduced fuel consumption, took over a day to completely exhaust its full fuel load, it received unanimous approval from both the two test pilots and the military evaluation team.
After returning to the USA, the pilots conducted a brief maximum speed test over the Nevada desert at the military's request. This test brought smiles to both the Pentagon and the Air Force. The new engines, boasting a thrust-to-weight ratio close to 8 compared to the previous 5.9, resulted in a significant speed boost—far more than a mere marginal improvement.
Additionally, two enlarged "Ex-Wife" missiles launched successfully over the Nevada desert weapons testing range, precisely hitting their targets. The subsequent maximum range test demonstrated a 19% increase in range compared to the original B-2, which could already carry 20 tons of bombs on intercontinental missions. The implications of this enhancement were self-evident.
By the afternoon of the second day, the prototype aircraft had completed all the test objectives flawlessly. Upon landing at G.E.'s airport, Richard Castle knew his mission was accomplished.
Of course, returning to New York was not yet an option for him. His enlarged "Ex-Wife" missile project had caught the urgent attention of Northrop Corporation. Castle had finally managed to incorporate the full suite of intelligent tracking and control systems into the scaled-up version of the missile. These systems couldn't previously fit into the miniature missile due to technical limitations. Northrop, already in possession of the scaled-down missile design, eagerly awaited Castle's contributions.
It wasn't that Castle had deliberately withheld anything before; it was simply that the technology hadn't reached the level needed to miniaturize an intelligent control system for a missile only 20 centimeters long. However, with the larger "Ex-Wife" missile, there was ample space for advanced electronics, making it possible to incorporate these systems.
Thus, after helping to upgrade the B-2, Castle headed to Northrop with his assistant, the chubby engineer, to finalize the enhanced version of the missile.
Northrop, having verified Castle's designs, confirmed the current technical impossibility of fitting an intelligent chip into the miniature missile. They were, however, deeply intrigued by the scaled-up missile that could integrate the intelligent flight control and tracking systems.
Current missile guidance systems primarily relied on infrared, radar, or camera-based methods. Castle's "smart" guidance system introduced a new paradigm. If it worked as advertised, Northrop stood a strong chance of securing a lucrative contract with the U.S. military, potentially worth billions of dollars. The company's executives and shareholders, already impressed by Castle's innovations, were ecstatic.
While Castle and his assistant worked tirelessly on the upgraded missile at Northrop's headquarters, an entirely different scheme was unfolding. Watanabe Taro's operative, "Park Jin-ho," had successfully ingratiated herself with Alexis, becoming her close friend. Using Christmas as an excuse, she invited Alexis to spend the holiday with her in Hawaii, promising a tropical, snow-free celebration.
Alexis, at her impressionable age, was enchanted by the idea. Although she wasn't romantically involved with anyone like Ashley from Castle's past life, she was at an age eager to explore the world. The invitation from her new friend was tempting, and Alexis was genuinely interested.
By the time Castle finished the missile project and returned home in late December, Christmas was only days away. He had been away for nearly 50 days, and upon his return, he found his family estate transformed. His mother, Martha, had almost turned it into a Broadway set. Castle was outraged.
Martha, however, wasn't the least bit intimidated by her son. Laughing off his protests, she announced that she would be heading to Southampton to spend the holidays with her boyfriend, Chet, leaving Castle to deal with the chaos she had created.
When Beckett returned home from work, she found Castle leading a small crew, including Big Ivan and the chubby assistant, dismantling the garish stages and structures Martha had built. Beckett wisely chose to avoid getting involved.
At dinner, Castle was hit with another blow: Alexis announced she wouldn't be spending Christmas at home but planned to go to Hawaii with her classmate. Castle, feeling abandoned, dramatically pleaded with his daughter.
"Sweetheart, you're leaving me on Christmas? Don't you love your poor dad anymore?"
"Come on, Dad, don't look so pitiful! I'm just asking for your permission," Alexis replied, rolling her eyes. It was just the three of them at dinner—Castle, Beckett, and Alexis. The chubby assistant had disappeared into the supercomputer lab to work with Ramsey, and the rest of the staff were in their quarters. Castle had even cooked dinner himself.
Alexis explained, "A new transfer student from South Korea invited me. Her family lives in Hawaii, and she says Christmas there is nothing like snowy New York—it's all tropical vibes. I thought it might be fun to experience something different this year."
She added slyly, "Besides, didn't you and Beckett miss out on a proper Christmas together last year? This is your chance to have some alone time!"
Beckett smiled silently at Castle, her amusement clear, but she didn't intervene.
Castle, relieved that the invitation came from a girl and not a boy, still wasn't thrilled about Alexis traveling thousands of miles away. As a protective father, he had his reservations. But Alexis, with Beckett's support, eventually wore him down.
Alexis promised to stay safe and keep in constant contact via her smartwatch. Excited, she finally got her father's permission to spend Christmas in Hawaii.
What none of them realized was that this was a trap aimed at Alexis.
Castle, distracted by his reunion with Beckett, made a critical mistake. Trusting in his daughter's wit and the lessons she had learned from master con artist Neal Caffrey, he failed to investigate Alexis's new friend thoroughly. After dinner, eager for some quality time with Beckett, Castle forgot all about the matter—an oversight he would regret in the days to come.
(End of Chapter)
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