Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 340: The Joint Operation

Michael was working inside his office, looking at the analytics and data on his computer screen as he watched the progress of his smartphone business. There were already one hundred thousand pre-orders, and the numbers kept climbing. He felt a sense of satisfaction seeing his hard work pay off.

As he was about to delve deeper into the sales data, his phone rang, breaking his concentration. He glanced at the caller ID and saw that it was the President of the United States. His curiosity piqued, and he answered the call.

"Mr. President, what can I do for you today?" Michael asked, keeping his tone professional.

"Michael, we have a situation that requires your immediate attention," President Greene said formally. "We've decided to conduct a joint cleanup operation with China to retrieve the remains of the satellite."

Michael leaned back in his chair, processing the information. "A joint operation with China? That's unexpected. What's the plan?"

"The Chinese have agreed to let us participate in the retrieval under strict supervision. They want to ensure full transparency, given the recent tensions," Greene explained. "But there's something important I need to ask you. Is there any technology on that satellite that could indicate it's a weather manipulation satellite and not just a meteorological research satellite?"

Michael paused, considering the implications of the question. "Yes, there is," he replied after a moment. "I anticipated the possibility of the satellite falling into enemy hands. To prevent them from copying our technology, I embedded a system that erases all sensitive data and disguises it as a normal meteorological satellite."

"Is this system already activated?" Greene asked, relief evident in his voice.

"Yes, it was triggered the moment the satellite was shot down by China," Michael confirmed. "The satellite should now appear completely benign, with all traces of its true purpose erased."

"That's a relief," Greene said. "We can't afford any more complications. This joint operation is already a delicate matter. The last thing we need is for the Chinese to discover its real capabilities."

Michael nodded, even though Greene couldn't see him. "Now you are glad because the Chinese won't think that it is a weather manipulation satellite, and start a war."

"Exactly," Greene replied. "This buys us some time. We need to ensure that this cleanup operation goes smoothly and that there are no surprises."

"I see…you still want to wage war huh? That's fine with me as this buys time for me as well. I'll be on standby if you need anything else," Michael said.

"Thank you, Michael. I'll have my team coordinate with you for the specifics. Let's make sure everything goes off without a hitch," Greene said before ending the call.

***

Two days later, at the South China Sea...

The ocean was calm as the combined naval forces of China and the United States arrived at the designated coordinates where the satellite had fallen. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue across the water.

The USS John C. Stennis, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, was the flagship of the American contingent. It was accompanied by several destroyers and a submarine, all maintaining a strategic formation. Opposite them, the Chinese had deployed the Liaoning, their aircraft carrier, along with a fleet of frigates and corvettes.

Onboard the USS John C. Stennis, Captain James Anderson stood on the bridge, observing the operation through binoculars.

"Keep an eye on their movements," he ordered his XO. "We need to maintain a tight watch on everything they do."

Aboard the Liaoning, Admiral Wu monitored the situation, his expression unreadable. "Ensure our divers are ready," he instructed his officers. "We need to secure the satellite remains before they do."

Both navies had deployed underwater drones to locate the exact position of the satellite debris. The drones, equipped with advanced sonar and imaging technology, scanned the ocean floor meticulously.

"Drone One has a visual," reported a technician on the Stennis. "Coordinates are locked. Depth is approximately 3,000 meters."

"Prepare the recovery teams," Captain Anderson ordered. "Make sure all protocols are followed. We don't want any mishaps."

In the water, the divers from both sides began their descent. Each team was equipped with cutting-edge deep-sea diving suits and carried specialized tools for the retrieval operation. Communication between the divers and their respective command ships was constant, ensuring every move was monitored.

As the divers reached the ocean floor, the remains of the satellite came into view. The wreckage was scattered, but the main body of the satellite was intact, embedded partially in the seabed.

"Visual on the main body," reported one of the American divers. "Proceeding with retrieval."

"Understood," came the reply from the Stennis. "Proceed with caution."

The divers attached cables to the main body of the satellite, securing it for the lift. Simultaneously, the Chinese divers were securing their own cables, creating a moment of silent tension as both teams worked side by side.

On the surface, cranes from both ships were prepared to lift the wreckage. The cables tightened, and with synchronized precision, the satellite was slowly raised from the seabed. Water cascaded off the wreckage as it broke the surface, and both teams worked swiftly to secure it on their respective recovery platforms.

"Satellite is secure," Captain Anderson confirmed. "Initiate the joint inspection protocol."

On the deck of the Stennis, American and Chinese experts gathered around the satellite, their expressions serious. They began the painstaking process of examining the wreckage, looking for any signs that could indicate its true purpose.

Michael Reyes observed the inspection via video feed from the command center. He watched as the experts examined the satellite's exterior, taking note of the disguised components.

"From an untrained and trained eye, it is just a normal satellite," Michael said, talking to the president who was also watching through a live feed from the White House.

"How certain are you?" President Greene asked.

Michael leaned closer to the screen, scrutinizing the satellite's remains. "Absolutely certain. The erasure system I implemented ensures that all sensitive components appear as standard meteorological instruments. There's no way they can detect the true purpose of the satellite without specialized knowledge and equipment."

President Greene nodded, though his concern was still evident. "Good. We need to keep it that way. This joint operation has to go off without any issues."

On the deck of the USS John C. Stennis, American and Chinese experts worked diligently, comparing notes and sharing findings.

"Initial scans show no unusual signatures. All components match standard meteorological satellite specifications," a US scientist reported.

Her Chinese counterpart responded. "Our findings concur. The satellite appears to be exactly what you claimed it to be."

"Good…that means this is just a mistake on our part."