Chapter 228: Bowstring Taut

Combat planes were still distant when countless rockets and surface-to-ground missiles were already launched towards the target.

Billowing columns of water surged up in succession for a good fifteen minutes. Only after the fighter planes had expended all their cannon ammunition did they start to return one by one.

At this time, beneath the surface of the sea, the battleships launched an innumerable number of torpedoes, which swarmed towards the area.

This barrage of attacks lasted for a full thirty minutes before coming to an end.

Lapudos had known from the start that there were no sea monsters present anymore, but since the sailors needed an outlet for their emotions and something to bolster their courage, he didn’t stop them.

“Have all ships report their damage!”

Soon after, the results were gathered. The Stanis aircraft carrier formation had lost two nuclear submarines and two Burke-class destroyers, and another Ticonderoga-class cruiser had sustained severe damage to its underbelly and was already in a semi-sunken state.

The flagship aircraft carrier Stanis had also suffered serious damage to its underbelly and was now listing by 12 degrees, with its cruising speed further reduced to 18 knots.

Nine carrier-based aircraft were lost—four fell into the sea when the aircraft carrier was rammed, and the other five fell due to the pilots being unable to withstand the subsonic wave attacks.

A chill settled in Lapudos’ heart, with no doubt left in his mind that he had become the commander of the American navy’s largest carrier group loss since World War II.

“Send a cable to the headquarters that my fleet has been attacked by two sea monsters. We’ve lost five warships, nine aircraft, the aircraft carrier is taking on water, and we’ve slowed to 18 knots with a 12-degree list. We’re unable to join the Iron Wall Encirclement plan and request a retreat to base.”

When the United States Department of Defense received this message and the subsequent videos, everyone was beyond shocked.

General Vandiatte, in charge of the day-to-day operations of the Department of Defense, promptly notified General Curtis and hastily convened an emergency meeting to discuss a response strategy.

“General Vandiatte, are you telling me that our carrier strike group didn’t inflict any damage on the sea monster?” asked an Air Force general.

Vandiatte shook his head, pointing to a still image of the monster, and said, “Take a look. It’s roaring here. General Lapudos explained that the fleet was hit by a subsonic wave attack at this moment.

Five of the fighter jets went down because their pilots couldn’t stand the assault and fell into the sea.

This is the first time we’ve realized that there are two sea monsters and, besides impacting and devouring, they can emit roars with subsonic waves.

Therefore, I suggest we immediately implement capturing or eliminating these two sea monsters, or else the Iron Wall Encirclement plan would be difficult to execute under the threat of sea beasts.”

The Air Force general shook his head and said, “I’m afraid it’s not as easy as we’ve seen. Our carrier strike group was almost powerless against them.

How many carrier groups do you think we’d need to destroy one? We still know very little about these giants.

Why are they attacking our carrier groups? Why are they devouring warships? And has any other country’s navy or civilian ships been devoured in that area?

Without answers to these questions, what effective methods do we have to deal with the monsters?”

Harris spoke up immediately, “For now, we know that the monsters have previously attacked the India’s fleet, so they’re likely not just targeting us.

While it’s important to understand the issues you’ve raised, we can only get detailed information through capturing or killing them—we already have new information from this attack, don’t we?”

Vandiatte tapped the table and added, “Harris is right. We only truly understand them through combat.

Especially, if we don’t capture or kill them, how can we carry out the Iron Wall Encirclement plan?”

As he said this, he motioned to his aide to switch to a map of the Indian Ocean and then pointed to a shaded area, continuing, “This area here is determined by connecting the points where the giants have appeared, estimating the range of their activities.

In a few hours, the Calvinson vessel will enter this region, and if they’re attacked by the giants, will we have enough power left to carry out the Iron Wall Encirclement plan?”

Vandiatte’s words left the room in silence, his point clearly hitting home.

Navy Admiral Harris suddenly asked Professor George, who was sitting nearby, “Professor George, based on these materials, can you determine any weaknesses of the sea giants?”

Professor George stared intently at the screen and said, “Gentlemen, I’ve studied the giants’ materials, and its form is very similar to that of the predatory sea monsters from the age of dinosaurs, the Liopleurodon.

This suggests that the intelligent creators of these beasts arrived on Earth during the age of dinosaurs, but as for why they have emerged now, my best guess is that the India’s efforts to salvage the Kechin raised them from their slumbers.

As for a weakness, it’s hard to deduce right now. The Stanis formation attacked it with depth charges and torpedoes without apparently injuring it.

All I can say is that its intelligence is very high, and it’s constantly learning as it combats our warships, so we’d better arrange for its capture or destruction soon.”

Vandiatte, showing keen interest, asked, “Why do you think its intelligence is improving?”

Professor George replied, “When it attacked the India’s Vishaka vessel, it seemed to fear the fleet, or else it wouldn’t have fled from a few India destroyers.

But now it and its partner have attacked the Stanis formation with a strategy, and I would like you all to note both nuclear submarines, front and rear of the fleet, lost contact first.

It’s evident that they quietly eliminated our carrier group’s underwater capabilities before striking, which requires intelligence.”

Applause broke out, and everyone looked to see General Curtis, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, approvingly clapping his hands.

“Professor George has given an excellent analysis, but now is not the time for us to deal with the sea giants. I think we’ve veered from the main point of this meeting.”

He then looked over the meeting attendees and continued, “We need to discuss how we can implement the Iron Wall Encirclement plan in the shortest time possible, considering the disturbance from the sea giants.”

Seeing General Vandiatte about to speak, he gestured with his hand for silence, “General Vandiatte, don’t worry, we can try to find a way around your concerns.

Your map has already marked the activity area of the sea giants. Let’s arrange for the Calvinson vessel group to bypass this area immediately and march towards the planned rendezvous point.

I suggest this to test a theory: whether the Liopleurodon is a creation of Dream Technology.”

Curtis’ words made everyone present dumbfounded.

“General Curtis, why would you link the sea giants, the Liopleurodon, with Dream Technology?” Vandiatte asked, surprised.

They had named the sea giants “Liopleurodon,” after the creature Professor George had mentioned.

Curtis smirked confidently and said, “The first appearance of the Liopleurodon coincided with our first strike on Dream Technology. All the forces we sent were annihilated by the Liopleurodon.”

Vandiatte shook his head, “That’s not quite right. The B2 bomber was shot down by the India’s Aegis ship’s anti-aircraft missiles when the Liopleurodon disrupted communications.”

“You’re thinking too simply. It was Dream Technology using India’s air defenses to bring down the B2!”

Vandiatte fell into deep thought.

Curtis continued, “Of course, this is just my speculation for now. Whether it’s true or not will depend on whether the Calvinson aircraft carrier fleet encounters another attack from the Liopleurodon after taking the detour.

General Vandiatte, please immediately arrange to air-freight the equipment prepared to capture or attack the sea beasts to the Diego Garcia base, and arrange for vessels to transport them to meet with the Calvinson as soon as possible.

General Harris, inform the Calvinson to prepare thoroughly as soon as they receive the equipment. If the Liopleurodon attacks, they must at least manage to severely wound it!”

Vandiatte and Harris exchanged glances without raising any further objections.

“General Curtis, may I accompany the equipment to further study the Liopleurodon?” Professor George suddenly raised his hand to ask.

“Of course, you can.”

Curtis happily gave his permission, looked around at the meeting attendees again, and said, “Notify Lapudos that the Stanis fleet is to retreat to the base at Port Kennedy for repairs.

Harris, we might need the Regan formation to sail south from the South China Sea promptly to keep up with the RossFerns formation, to replace the Stanis formation.

The Iron Wall Encirclement plan is now like an arrow on the bowstring; we must readjust the timetable for the three fleet assemblies. I need the updated times to inform the Acting President immediately.”

“Understood, I’ll re-confirm the assembly times as soon as possible.”

After the meeting, General Curtis returned to his office, quickly walking into the adjoining rest room, and pulled out a palm-sized tablet from the bedside table.

After typing in the password, the interface flickered with an animation of the Big Bang.

“How did the meeting go?”

A sudden query appeared on the dark screen.

Curtis spoke directly into the tablet, saying, “I’ve steered them away from their focus on dealing with the sea beasts to blaming Dream Technology.

This way, our recent losses will more stir public sentiment, supporting our strike against Dream Technology, and making it easier to gain allies’ support.

I’ve called back the Regan aircraft carrier formation. The new three-fleet arrival times for the attack positions will soon be determined.”

“Excellent. Due to the Stanis force’s losses, the Iron Wall Encirclement plan needs adjustment. Don’t wait for the three fleets. Just make the third round strike as the first strike!”

Curtis was startled and hurriedly said, “Master, a direct nuclear strike will attract international condemnation…”

“Before the face of overwhelming power, any condemnation is weak. Or do you not wish to heed my directives?”

Curtis broke out into a sweat, immediately replying, “Your words are the truth, Master! I will give the orders to Captain Anderson of the Marilan. Of course, I’ll need the authorization password from the Acting President.”

“The President Radack is already prepared. An international security meeting is set for 8 o’clock tonight. It shouldn’t last more than two hours. Let’s schedule the first round of strikes for midnight.”

“Yes, I’ll arrange for it right away.”

Thank you to “Still Not Found” for the generous tip of 100 coins!