“Of course,” I said.
“That’s what I like to hear. The quantum array will be located near propulsion, which is a magnetohydrodynamic drive. We think they are hot-swappable nodes. You’ll have to enter the sub to recover the Core Processing Module. I can’t tell you how valuable this technology would be on the open market. Terrorists, foreign governments, and even the Chinese would pay billions for this. You both will be rewarded handsomely if you succeed. Failure is not an option.”
“Copy that,” I said. “How am I supposed to find the CPM?”
“Our intel suggests it’s a 6x9 rack-mounted module containing processors, sensor algorithms, and real-time canceling software. We have an asset that was involved in the construction of the Silent Dragon. The module should be located in the control room and will be labeled in Mandarin.”
“My Mandarin is extremely limited.”
“I’ll text you the characters that you are looking for. Learn and memorize them.”
“Roger that.”
“With Tristan’s blessing, you will take full command of the habitat. Recovery of the tech is priority one. Is that clear?”
“Affirmative.”
“This is likely our last communication until the storm passes. Tristan has recommended a retraction of the satellite buoy. You’ll be on your own for the next 24 to 48.“ Conroy gave me the coordinates for their estimate of the wreckage. “Good luck, gentlemen.”
Tristan said, “Bring Wong back into the control room. I need to tell him you are now in command.”
“He’s not going to like that,” I muttered.
“I don’t care what he likes. When he builds his own habitat, he can run it how he likes.”
“There’s been a slight complication,” I said.
Tristan looked distressed.
I told him about Judy.
“I’m sorry, but at this point in time, she’s stuck down there. It’s too rough out here for the DSV. We’ll be returning to base after this conversation.”
JD found Wong and brought him back into the compartment. When Tristan told him we were in charge, his face reddened. “You can’t do that!”
Tristan looked at him like he was crazy. "I can do whatever I want. That should be obvious.”
David took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. "I understand that. What I mean is these two deputies, while fine individuals, are not aligned with the objectives of the habitat. They have their own priorities. I believe I'm the best person to lead this mission forward.”
"The mission priorities have changed for the time being.”
Confusion knitted Wong’s brow. "How so?”
"I'm afraid that information is classified and need-to-know only," Officer Conroy said.
“Who are you?” Wong growled.
Conroy gave him a look. “That is none of your concern.”
Wong bit his tongue, but he didn't like it.
"I promise, once this objective is complete, our original mission priorities will resume, and you will regain command of the habitat," Tristan said.
David tried to stifle his frustration. It was the best offer he was going to get.
"At this time, I'm going to recommend you retract the communications buoy to avoid damage," Tristan said. “You’re gonna have to ride the storm out on your own. You've got everything you need. You should be just fine. Hopefully, we can maintain communication via AquaLink.”
"Copy that," Wong said.
