Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 202: Things are about to get Serious

Michael picked up his phone and dialed Carter's number. The phone rang three times until a voice from the other end of the line sounded.

"Mr. Reyes, it's rare for you to call this evening. What can I help you with?" Carter inquired.

"I have a task for you, but it's not related to my security. I was hoping your special forces could extract one of my employees being held hostage at a location that I will send you," Michael revealed.

"Hmm…" Carter breathed. "Mr. Reyes, the contracts only covered your personal security, not extending to rescue operations for your employees. However, we can certainly arrange a new agreement for this particular situation."

Michael's brow furrowed in frustration but he understood the necessity for formalities. "What would that entail, and how quickly can we set it up?"

"We'll need to draft a new contract specifying the scope of the operation, including risks, operational support, and costs. If you can approve the draft quickly, my team can be ready to move as soon as the paperwork is in order."

"Oh my god, I am getting bogged down by these formalities instead of you rushing to save my employee. Can we have a verbal agreement? How much for this kind of operation?"

"Two hundred thousand dollars would do," Carter answered.

"Two hundred thousand dollars for a single person?"

"Well it's either that or you lose more than just money, Mr. Reyes," Carter said firmly.

Michael clenched his jaw, his displeasure clear. "I hate dealing with military security firms. You turn lives into transactions," he muttered under his breath. But despite his disdain, he knew Carter's team offered the best chance for Dr. Villanueva's safe return.

"Fine. I will transfer the money to your bank account," Michael said as he was already processing the transaction. Moments later, the transaction was approved. "There, I already transferred the money and I believe you can see the proof of payment on your end. Now, can we proceed without any further delays?"

Carter responded quickly, "Yes, Mr. Reyes. I've received the confirmation. I will call the team who will extract your employee. I will also review the location of then in two or three hours, we will be on the move."

"I'm counting on you," Michael said.

As he was about to turn his attention back to the live feed monitoring, his office monitor displayed an incoming call. It's them.

"I have to end the call now, they are calling me," Michael hastily informed Carter before hanging up. He then switched to the incoming call, steeling himself for another encounter with the kidnappers.

As soon as he answered, the screen once again showed the grim visage of Dr. Villanueva.

"We hope you haven't done anything foolish, Mr. Reyes," one of the kidnappers spoke.

"So, have you made your decision?" Michael asked. It's felt to him wrong to ask that question as it's looking like he is the one asking for demands rather than them.

"Yes, we've made our decision," the kidnapper responded coldly. "Listen carefully. We want detailed blueprints and coding schematics for the Medipod's core systems. You will send these to a secure drop we specify within the next 24 hours."

"So that's your employer's decision? Schematics first and then the release of my employee," Michael sighed.

It was actually a good thing. Now that he had called Carter and brought him into action, keeping them there is a good diversion while Carter's team prepares.

"You'll have what you ask for within the stipulated time. Make sure Dr. Villanueva is ready to be picked up the moment you verify the documents," Michael responded firmly.

Be wise, Mr. Reyes. Any tricks and the deal is off," the kidnapper warned before cutting the call.

Michael sat back, his mind racing. He had played along, but he was not just going to hand over sensitive technology. He needed a plan to deliver manipulated data that wouldn't compromise the Medipod, yet was convincing enough to pass initial scrutiny.

He immediately opened an exclusive design software where the schematic of the Medipod's classified devices are saved. Then, he altered some key components to ensure they were non-functional, yet subtle enough not to raise immediate suspicion. He saved the altered files to a secure USB drive, preparing them for the drop.

Then as he finished that, he received an email from an unknown sender. Michael checked the email and perused the contents. It contained the instructions for the drop, like the location and time for the delivery of the Medipod schematics. The email specified a remote warehouse on the outskirts of the city, known for minimal traffic and low surveillance, an ideal spot for discreet transactions.

The instructions were clear: leave the USB drive inside a small, unmarked locker by midnight, and ensure no signs of tampering or police surveillance were evident.

An hour later.

Carter called in.

"Mr. Reyes, we have sent a drone to the location you sent to us, and well we found some heat signatures indicating that it was a heavily fortified warehouse with twenty armed men guarding the premises," Carter reported in a concerned tone.

"I am sure you can deal with 20 men," Michael said. "After all, you guys have training while those men don't have much experience. They are probably gun for hire."

"I won't underestimate them, Mr. Reyes. But we accepted the job and we will execute it to the best of our abilities," Carter replied with determination.

He then laid out the extraction plan: "We have three special forces operatives ready to infiltrate the warehouse. They're equipped for close combat and extraction under heavy fire. Additionally, we have two teams stationed on the nearest streets to secure a quick getaway route once Dr. Villanueva is extracted.

These teams will also serve as our quick reaction force in case of unexpected complications."

"Each operative is equipped with body armor, night vision goggles, and silenced weapons to minimize noise and avoid drawing attention. The operation is scheduled to commence late tonight, under the cover of darkness, which will give us the tactical advantage."

"Our approach will be stealth-based initially. We aim to get in and out without alerting the entire guard force. However, if things go south, we're prepared for a more forceful extraction. We'll maintain a communication link with you throughout the operation, so you'll be updated in real time."

"Don't fail, Mr. Carter," Michael said.

"We won't, Mr. Reyes. We haven't failed since, and I don't intend to fail here," Carter said.