The news quickly exploded on social networks, with topics like Marlin Fish and pirates instantly topping the hot search lists.
People were shocked by the rampant piracy and the scale of the attack.
However, this was just the appetizer.
Soon after, major mainstream media outlets like Fox News, MSNBC, and influential online news aggregation platforms followed up almost simultaneously, with a surprisingly consistent narrative.
The focus of the programs subtly shifted.
In CNN's studio, veteran international affairs commentator Robert Chambers was invited as a guest.
"Thank you for having me, host."
Chambers pushed his gold-rimmed glasses up, looking serious, "Regarding this shocking pirate attack, while the public rejoices at the crew's rescue, a more crucial, more unsettling question must be asked: What exactly was the Marlin Fish carrying? Why was it in that sensitive sea area? Was it just an ordinary commercial voyage?"
The host guided smoothly: "Mr. Chambers, you seem to imply something? Do you have some insider information?"
"Host."
Chambers leaned slightly forward, staring directly into the camera, with a sense of mission to uncover the truth.
"Based on cross-verified information from multiple reliable sources I have obtained, this so-called 'civilian cargo ship' actually had a true destination in war-torn Libya! And what it carried in its hold was not ordinary commercial goods, but… a massive amount of lethal arms! Including small arms, anti-tank missiles, and possibly even heavy artillery like large-caliber guns."
The studio erupted in a commotion.
The host inhaled sharply in coordination: "Arms? Bound for Libya? Is this… is this information accurate? Are you implying that the United States Government…?"
"This is not baseless speculation!"
Chambers spoke with certainty, "As is well known, since the fall of Gaddafi, Libya has been mired in a chaotic abyss rife with warlord divisions and the breeding of extremist organizations. The international community has made tremendous efforts to stabilize the situation and reduce humanitarian disasters. And what is our government doing now?"
He suddenly raised his voice, questioning with anger.
"They are secretly transporting arms to one faction—the GNA forces controlled by Sayif! From the information I have, this Sayif, according to publicly available intelligence files, had numerous links to groups labeled as terrorist organizations before 2011! His hands are stained with innocent blood! Likely also the blood of our American citizens."
He picked up a prepared document: "Look at this! The report on the massacre incident near Benghazi perpetrated by Sayif's forces in 2014! They inhumanly attacked civilian populated areas!"
"And we, after more than a decade of anti-terrorism warfare in Afghanistan and Iraq, at the cost of thousands of soldiers' lives and tens of billions of US Dollars! We still hold the banner of anti-terrorism, yet now we are secretly arming a warlord with a terrorist background? Isn't this the greatest irony and betrayal to those who sacrificed for anti-terrorism? Won't this chill our allies and mock our enemies?"
The host nodded heavily: "This indeed… raises serious moral and strategic questions. Moreover, the current humanitarian situation in Libya…"
"That is precisely the most heart-wrenching part!"
Chambers took over the conversation, his tone somber.
"According to United Nations reports, millions of civilians in Libya are in urgent need of food, medicine, and shelter! For every day the war continues, countless families are displaced, children die from malnutrition and preventable diseases! We should be leaders in humanitarian aid!"
At this point, he paused to gather his emotions, then launched a more vehement critique: "But what are we doing now? Instead of sending bread and medicine, we are sending bullets and missiles! We are adding deadly kindling to an already roaring fire of hell! This is exacerbating the humanitarian disaster! This goes against the universal values we proclaim and the responsibility to uphold international order!"
His voice echoed in the studio, transmitted through the airwaves into households: "I want to say to Mr. President and all on Congress Hill, when you approved such a secret, dirty arms transport operation, did you ever think of those innocent civilians struggling to survive amid Libya's ruins? Did you ever think of the heroes who gave their lives for the anti-terrorism cause? This double standard and short-sighted policy will ultimately backfire on America itself! We must demand the government provide an explanation! We must demand an immediate cessation of this fueling-the-flames, aiding-and-abetting behavior!"
The screen cut back to the anchor, whose expression was incredibly solemn: "Extremely shocking accusations… Mr. Chambers has revealed a possibly astonishing insider story behind the 'Marlin Fish' incident… This is not just a pirate attack; it touches upon the moral foundation and strategic credibility of American foreign policy…"
***
Virginia, at Director Vincent's residence.
Under soft lighting, a delicate bone china plate held the remaining half of a perfectly seared steak, and a glass of vintage Bordeaux red wine displayed elegant "tears" on the glass wall.
Vincent had just picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth, ready to enjoy a moment of post-dinner tranquility.
These past few days had been too busy.
Less than a day after Marlin Fish departed, it suffered a fierce pirate attack.
Although the upcoming voyage had naval vessels escorting, that unpredictable lunatic Song Heping might have some other plan in store…