Chapter 279: Unexpected News
"Newton, your plan is utter nonsense! Only a kaiju-obsessed madman like you would come up with something so crazy! And remember, he's crucial to the counterattack plan. The general would never agree to this, so give it up!"
Dr. Hermann turned away from his data to confront Newton, who was excited about his idea.
"Haha, true. To the general, you're a 'precious asset,' Mr. Li Yue. There's no way he'd let you participate in my experiment," Newton said, suddenly realizing the impracticality of his plan.
...
"Hey, have you asked for my opinion? Can I have a say here?" Li Yue interrupted, feeling ignored.
"Oh, right. I haven't asked why this genius pilot is here to see us mad scientists. Just so you know, we can't help you with mech modifications," Newton responded, snapping out of his disappointment and turning to Li Yue with curiosity. Hermann also turned to hear Li Yue's answer.
"I'm not here for mech modifications," Li Yue clarified. "But I do think your research on kaiju is important. Dr. Hermann, I agree with your theory. I believe this anomaly must be due to some overlooked factor."
Turning to Newton, he continued, "And Dr. Newton, I think your plan is feasible as well."
...
Both scientists were stunned by Li Yue's support. It was the first time someone had come to validate their work.
"Agreeing with my theory is one thing, but supporting Newton's crazy plan? Are you as mad as he is?" Hermann said, half-smiling, expressing his skepticism about Newton's plan.
"Hermann, you're just jealous because someone recognizes the value of my plan!" Newton shot back playfully, showing the deep bond they had formed over years of working together despite their professional disagreements.
"In my view, both of your conclusions are valuable. However, Dr. Newton, your plan has a significant flaw," Li Yue said, seeing their happiness and feeling necessary to point out the critical issue.
"A flaw? What flaw?" Newton asked, alarmed.
"Have you forgotten that neural interfacing is reciprocal? While you're accessing the kaiju's memories, the kaiju would also access yours. If you link with a kaiju brain..." Li Yue explained.
"...then the aliens could learn about our counterattack plan just as I learn about their invasion plans!" Newton finished the thought, cutting in as realization struck him. "Damn! I was about to expose our entire strategy to the aliens!"
With a resounding slap, Newton hit himself, feeling the gravity of his near-mistake. He had planned to execute his idea before the counterattack, unaware of the potential disastrous consequences.
...
"Dr. Newton, there's no need to be so harsh on yourself. You haven't done anything irreversible yet," Li Yue consoled.
Although Newton turned into a villain in Pacific Rim 2 due to his neural link with kaiju brains, at this point, he was just a kaiju enthusiast dedicated to human victory.
"Haha, you're right. But to realize my years of research were in vain, it's hard to stay calm," Newton lamented, still visibly upset.
"Newton, science is meticulous. If you're wrong, start over!" Hermann reassured him.
"Wait, I only pointed out a flaw, not dismissed your plan entirely. I think it's still worth pursuing," Li Yue interjected.
"What? How?" Newton asked, eager to hear more.
"It's simple: use someone unaware of the counterattack plan for the neural link," Li Yue suggested with a mysterious smile. "Or better yet, we don't need a human for the link at all."
...
"Clone a 'blank' brain? I don't quite understand," both scientists said, puzzled.
"Exactly. Clone a blank kaiju brain and link it with a kaiju brain. Then use advanced technology to extract the kaiju's memories and convert them into a holographic display. This way, we can see how the kaiju were created and uncover the aliens' plans," Li Yue explained.
"Although I don't know if this memory-to-visual technology exists, I don't see why you'd deceive us. And I think I know a perfect place to clone a blank brain," Newton said, his excitement returning. "Have you heard of the soon-to-open Jurassic Park?"