In Washington's Pentagon, the underground conference room was dimly lit.
On the large projection screen, the video carefully edited by Vought International's technical department is being played repeatedly.
In the picture, the transformer named Eddie, Outsiders, withstood a barrage of bullets, tearing open the door of an armored police car like a piece of paper.
Even if the special police used a large-caliber rifle to shoot at close range, it would only scratch out a spark on those gray-brown scales.
At the end of the video, Outsiders was the one who forcibly took down a rocket. Although he retreated more than ten meters, miraculously he was not blown into pieces.
The old general sat in the front row of the conference table, holding a cigarette that had been extinguished long ago.
He stared intently at the picture frozen on the screen, and the sound of his heavy breathing was particularly clear in the quiet conference room.
Several senior military officials sitting around him also looked shocked.
They were used to seeing the test data of various tanks, but this was the first time they saw that an ordinary person with no training foundation could turn into such a terrifying killing machine after being injected with a tube of potion.
"Edgar, the destructive power of this thing is really eye-opening."
The old general threw the cigar into the ashtray, put his hands on the conference table and stood up, frowning slightly.
"But I read the follow-up cleanup report you submitted. Those experimental subjects who wreaked havoc on the streets had their brains melted and died within a few hours. Pentagon needs super soldiers that can serve for a long time, not disposable consumables with a one-day shelf life."
The speakerphone of the phone was on, Stan Edgar on the top floor of Vought Tower held Black Tea, and let out a gentle chuckle.
"Please rest assured, General. The pure version of New Compound is perfect. It has no side effects. It not only provides permanent strength enhancement, but is also absolutely stable."
Edgar's tone revealed a calmness of taking control of everything,
"As for the brain death you saw, it's just a small technical additive. After all, we can't let these slum scum used for testing live on the streets. Adding Neurotoxin is just to automatically clean up the scene after the test, proving to you that Vought International has the absolute finishing ability."
He leaned back in his chair and continued to give reassurance:
"When officially delivered to the military, your soldiers will be injected with a pure version without any toxins. They will be a fully healthy, loyal and invincible standing army."
The conference room was quiet for a few seconds, and then there was a burst of low-pitched discussion.
The old general's face covered with age spots finally showed a satisfied smile.
He turned his head, looked at the communications officer standing in the corner, and then said into the microphone on the table:
"Edgar, you win. The Department of Defense Budget Committee has completed the special approval process overnight this morning. The first phase of 30 billion U. S. dollars of military orders will be credited to Vought International's account in the afternoon. We need you to deliver the first batch of 50,000 pure versions of the medicine before next month."
"Thank you for your trust, General. Our production lines are always at your service."
The phone was hung up.
Edgar Put the receiver back to its original position and lean on the comfortable chair back.
Everything went very smoothly.
This huge order not only completely consolidated his unshakable position in Vought International, but also enabled the company to successfully transform from an entertainment star-making industry into a military industry giant that monopolizes the world.
As for the civilians who died in Queens and Brooklyn last night, as well as the streets trampled to pieces by Outsiders, in his eyes, they are not even the ink on a report.
The office door was gently pushed open.
Madelyn walked in.
She wore a pure black business suit today, with delicate makeup on her face, but she still couldn't hide the deep tiredness and paleness in her eyes.
She placed a thick stack of documents on Edgar's desktop.
"Mr. President, this is the follow-up docking contract for the military order. I have checked everything. I only need your signature."
Madelyn's voice sounds a little hoarse.
Edgar picked up the pen and signed his name at the end of the document smoothly.
He raised his head and his eyes fell on the bloodless face of Madelyn. His tone was gentle, like an elder caring for his subordinates.
"Madelyn, I heard about David. I'm deeply sorry for what happened to your husband. Those experimental subjects ran out of control and broke into the rich area, which really exceeded our expectations. Fortunately, Neurotoxin is very effective. The monster that killed David has turned into a puddle of mud."
Madelyn's shoulders trembled slightly, and she held back her tears.
The slum experiment planned by her personally last night not only destroyed half of the block, but also led the mutant Outsiders to the rich area and broke her husband's neck in front of her.
This is the price of power, so cruel that no room is left.
"This was an accident, Mr. President."
Madelyn lowered his head and bit his lip, "For the company's grand blueprint, some sacrifices are inevitable."
Edgar nodded with satisfaction, stood up and patted Madelyn on the shoulder.
"I'm very happy that you think so. Vought International will not forget the contribution of David. In this year's year-end dividend, I will ask someone to double your share. Go back and rest for a few days. I will keep an eye on you."
Madelyn left the office with red eyes.
Edgar looked at the wooden door that had been closed again, turned around and walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window.
The sun shone on his crisp suit, and he looked down at the bustling city below him, like a king who had just defeated all his opponents on the chessboard.