After Ivan reviewed the equipment list Jarvis had compiled for the secret underground armory beneath Castle's mechanical laboratory, he was finally able to relax. His eccentric boss hadn't been bluffing after all.
Not only had Castle secretly purchased 50 units of the advanced "GPNVG-18 Four-Eye" night vision goggles—standard issue for U.S. Special Forces—but the armory was also stocked with an array of cutting-edge military gear. From FAST helmets with side rails for modular attachments, to heavy ballistic vests that could be fitted with ceramic plates, to every conceivable piece of tactical equipment, the inventory was enough to make Ivan, a former Russian Spetsnaz operator, gawk like a tourist at a weapons expo.
However, upon learning of Castle's concerns about the TOW anti-tank missiles that Watanabe had smuggled into New York, and realizing that their current defenses—such as the M2 heavy machine guns in concealed emplacements—might not be sufficient, Ivan suddenly had a bold idea.
"Boss," Ivan said, his voice carrying an almost mischievous edge, "if you're looking for something that can unleash a storm of firepower and intercept anti-tank missiles, I know just the thing.
At Miss Gianna's training camp in Africa, she's got a bunch of Soviet-era ZSU-23-4 'Shilka' self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. Those babies are legendary.
Four 23mm autocannons mounted together, capable of spitting out 3,400 rounds per minute. The thing can hit targets flying at over 1,600 kilometers per hour, at altitudes ranging from 100 to 1,500 meters. It's designed to take down supersonic jets flying low, so handling a slow-moving TOW missile would be child's play.
And trust me, boss, there's no better way to show those punks who's boss than by unleashing a wall of Soviet firepower.
Also… why bother going back to Northrop Grumman to beg for help after what you just pulled on them? Those guys might find another way to screw you over. But Miss Gianna? She's family. She'd never do that."
Castle blinked, caught off guard by Ivan's suggestion. He knew what a Shilka was—how could he not? This Soviet-era relic had earned its reputation as a "building shredder" during the Afghanistan War. Built around four autocannons originally derived from the AM-23 aircraft gun, the ZSU-23-4 had been developed in the 1960s and remained a fearsome weapon even decades later.
Castle had also read plenty of military history in his spare time, so he was well aware of the Shilka's legacy. Although its original role was to shoot down enemy aircraft, it had been repurposed in countless conflicts as a devastating ground-attack weapon, shredding infantry and light vehicles alike.
But… did Gianna really have operational Shilkas sitting around in her African training camp?
Curious, Castle immediately called Gianna, who was busy at home tending to their son while John Wick helped out as an honorary babysitter.
"Gianna," Castle began, "do you, by any chance, have a bunch of Shilkas lying around at your African base?"
Gianna didn't hesitate.
"Of course I do," she replied, laughing softly. "Why do you ask?"
Castle explained the situation: Watanabe had gone mad with revenge, hiring a mercenary team armed with heavy weaponry, including TOW anti-tank missiles. Now Castle needed something capable of intercepting the missiles before they could hit his estate.
Upon hearing his reasoning, Gianna nearly laughed herself into a fit.
"Castle, who gave you this ridiculous idea? Did you forget where you live? This is New York!
Even if I sent you those Shilkas, do you really think you could just roll them into your estate and park them in your backyard?
Do you want to guess who'll be the first to scream bloody murder? It'll be Beckett.
You're talking about bringing four-barrel, 23mm anti-aircraft cannons into Long Island. The kind of firepower that could shoot down jets. Do you really think the U.S. government, or even your own girlfriend, would let you set something like that up in the middle of a civilian area?
What's next, Castle? You going to ask me to ship over some SCUD missiles while I'm at it?"
Castle groaned, realizing Gianna had a point. He had been so caught up in the idea of reinforcing his defenses that he hadn't considered the implications of deploying such a weapon system in suburban New York.
After all, Long Island wasn't some remote war zone—it was a wealthy, densely populated area filled with estates, private schools, and country clubs.
Gianna continued, her tone amused. "And let's not forget, Castle, that JFK International Airport is less than 50 kilometers from your estate. Planes fly over Long Island all the time as they approach for landing. You really think the FAA, or anyone else for that matter, would be okay with you deploying anti-aircraft weapons in your backyard?
Do you want the military to show up at your front door with tanks and helicopters? Because that's how you get tanks and helicopters."
Castle sighed, feeling thoroughly chastised. He glanced at Ivan, who was sheepishly scratching the back of his head, clearly embarrassed for even suggesting the idea.
"Alright, alright," Castle muttered. "So Shilkas are a no-go. What about—"
"Don't even think about it," Gianna interrupted, sensing where his mind was going. "Castle, you've already got Jarvis monitoring Watanabe's every move, right? So stop panicking. You're not some helpless civilian.
Beckett may not let you go on the offensive, but once those mercenaries so much as step out of line—once they pick up their weapons or make a move on your estate—you'll have every legal right to defend yourself.
And trust me, when that time comes, no one will blame you for what happens next."
Castle rubbed his temples, finally starting to calm down. "You're right. I guess I just got a little carried away when I heard about the TOW missiles. I mean, who the hell brings anti-tank missiles to a private grudge match?"
Gianna chuckled again. "A crazy old Japanese man with nothing to lose, apparently. Look, let me and John come over. We'll help you figure this out. But please, Castle, stop trying to turn your estate into a Cold War-era military base, okay?"
With that, Gianna hung up, leaving Castle feeling both exasperated and relieved.
He turned back to Ivan, who was still standing awkwardly nearby.
"Well," Castle said dryly, "your brilliant plan to bring in Shilkas has officially been shot down. Gianna says it's impossible, and I think she's right."
Ivan laughed sheepishly, scratching his head. "I guess I didn't think it through, boss. I just figured if you had the resources, why not go all out? But yeah, maybe deploying 23mm cannons in a residential area would attract some unwanted attention."
Castle rolled his eyes. "No kidding, Ivan. I can't believe I even entertained the idea. It's one thing to hide M2 heavy machine guns in concealed emplacements. It's another thing entirely to deploy Soviet-era anti-aircraft artillery."
For now, Castle decided to focus on tightening his existing defenses and preparing for a potential assault. With Jarvis monitoring the enemy's every move, he had the upper hand.
But despite his frustrations, Castle couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Watanabe's reckless plan might spiral out of control in ways no one could predict.
For now, all he could do was wait—and prepare for whatever came next.
(End of Chapter)
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