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VBSS missions mostly take place aboard ships, with three common insertion methods.
SCUBA dive infiltration, helicopter air assault, or boat-based boarding raids.
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. There's no absolute best or worst—it depends entirely on the mission conditions to select the most suitable approach.
Long Zhan reviewed the intelligence already in his mind along with the related situational info, quickly reaching a conclusion.
"Right now, our intel is limited. I think we can prepare two plans.
If we arrive while the Centaurus is still at sea, considering the Centaurus has a helicopter landing pad on its bow, I think a mid-sea intercept with a helicopter assault is viable.
The ship won't have entered port or reached the island yet, so the number of pirates on board should be small, making it a relatively straightforward assault.
However, if the Central Command's bureaucratic delays drag on, and by the time we receive the go order, the Centaurus will have already docked.
At that point, the number of pirates aboard will certainly increase, and a direct assault would be too risky. A silent infiltration would be more appropriate.
We could approach the port under cover of night, by vehicle or boat, then switch to frogman gear and swim underwater to silently board the ship.
Once on board, we strike along the ship's side, taking out some enemies before they realize we're there, then enter the bridge interior to rescue the hostages."
Long Zhan accounted for both scenarios and offered tactical solutions accordingly.
"Classic frogman approach?" Sonny frowned.
"Yes, exactly. The old-school method—it's more stable, isn't it?" Long Zhan smiled.
"Good plan. What do you guys think?" Jason asked the team.
"I'm not interested in boarding from underwater," Sonny was the first to voice rejection, proposing: "Since the ship has a helicopter landing pad, no matter what, we can use helicopters to get over there.
We can land on the pad while those idiots are still asleep, then launch a swift assault…"
"Hahaha…"
Before Sonny could finish, Bravo Team burst out laughing.
Lei deliberately draped a shoulder around Sonny's neck and said, "We'll go with the swimming method—that's settled. I think Long's tactics are brilliant."
"You're not actually a navy guy afraid of water, are you?" Trent chimed in, grinning.
"The water's scary! There are biting fish, and someone's little sausage is their favorite snack!" Diaz joined in teasing, adding to the fun.
Jason patted Sonny's shoulder and deadpanned, "I know you're scared of water. Be brave—I believe you can do it. Get excited."
"Stop, stop, stop."
Sonny was left speechless by this bunch of pranksters. Spitting out a nearly chewed-through toothpick, he shivered and forced a calm tone: "Let me stress again—I'm not afraid to swim. It's just frogmen stuff, come on, bring it on, who's afraid of what."
"Hahaha…"
Sonny's obvious cowardice disguised as bravado set everyone off laughing again.
The boarding method was basically settled. Given the Command's continued squabbling, it was almost certain the Centaurus would dock.
Next, everyone began detailed discussions on how to board, quickly enter the interior, and ensure hostage safety.
"Guys, assuming the ship docks, we should breach through the berthing area. That's the least likely spot to be noticed by the enemy," Lei suggested.
"Approaching near the shore is easier for concealment. The helicopter pad can serve as a bridge-side point, allowing Alpha Team to board there, giving us direct frontal sight," Trent, stroking his big beard, advised.
"We can set up a watch team."
For the first time tonight, Alpha Team's All-Metal spoke up, pointing at the bow: "Alpha Team can split into two squads. A1 squad will support the assault by securing the helipad, working with Bravo Team to clear the deck.
A2 squad will maintain perimeter watch, keep communications, provide intel and sight for the assault, and be ready for extraction support."
(Watch team: drone surveillance unit.)
"The ship's been at sea for weeks. The decking will be very slippery. I'll prepare suitable anti-slip shoes, but watch your step," Diaz reminded.
"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast," Jason reinforced Diaz's advice.
The meaning is equivalent to the Chinese proverb: haste makes waste.
As the saying goes: three cobblers with their wits combined beat Zhuge Liang.
After more than half an hour of brainstorming by both Alpha and Bravo teams, a complete plan—from insertion, action, to extraction—was finalized.
"OK, let's go with this plan. Take out the pirates before they can harm the hostages."
Jason extended his fist, bumping it with the others in agreement—the operational plan was sealed.
Next was final gear preparation. Everyone listed extra equipment they needed, which Diaz logged and arranged to ready.
Navigation units, extension poles, grappling hooks…
And so on.
All these mission-specific and common-use gear had to be prepared by Diaz as fast as possible.
With the detailed plan complete, Command still showed no movement. The team remained grounded.
What else could they do?
They could only disband and go home, waiting for the two generals to finish their political tug-of-war.
Since the launch order could come at any time, Long Zhan skipped drinking with Brian and Clay, choosing instead to return to Stella's apartment.
He arrived just past 11 p.m.
For young people, this was just the start of nightlife.
Stella, who was used to being enveloped by Long Zhan's broad embrace and could not sleep while clutching her blanket, was very happy to see him return.
Even though Long Zhan made it clear it was just mission hold-up and he might leave again at any moment.
Stella's mood remained undeterred—in fact, it grew more eager. Like a snake, she actively curled up on his body.
As if to fill the coming loneliness completely in this embrace.
Long Zhan was no paragon of restraint—his interrupted night life two hours earlier resumed as he slid back under the covers.
The mission hadn't started, but the battle was already underway.
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