“Well, I honestly do not know” Ziccarra said perplexed, she genuinely didn’t know the types of modern weapons used—she still used a sword and shield. “That is partly why I invited my husband here today, for I know nothing of modern military weapons” She said, taking a seat on Alexis’ lap. “Darling do you know what you will need to run the military?”
Greystoke Industries (CVnU Location)
"I see you have done your homework, Mr. Pettis..." William said with a sly grin. "My company can engineer, improve, and manufacture everything that you have asked for. Realistically, it will take months for the raw materials to be gathered and for a third of that to be constructed - even if you employed half of your country's population as a workforce designated to the Armament Act."
With that, Greystoke finally placed his fingers upon the briefcase's scanner and the locked popped open. "However, within a few weeks I can make it so you already have a leg up on your competition." he continued. He then stood up and took off his suit jacket and set it aside. Reaching into the briefcase, he pulled out a device that looked like nothing more than a smartphone. "Observe..." he said.
Pressing a button on the devices screen, the device read his fingerprint and began to transform in his hand. As parts on the device began to move, it began to grow up his arm and spread itself over his entire body. Within a few seconds, his entire body was covered in a suit of protective armor. "I give you the L-87 Tac Suit by Greystoke Industries." William said.
"By using our patented Molecular Techno-displacement Process, or 'MTdP,' we are able to affect raw materials on a molecular level with nanotechnology. With just a small piece of vibranium, we were able to create this entire suit. You will notice, however, that it does not feel 'metal' in nature. That is because the vibranium has been given a special adonized coating that repels electricity and magnetism. It also aids in the area of stealth by enabling the suit to move silently. As you can see, the hull is not bulky and is very tactical in nature. Each suit is also equipped with our premier Predator Cloaking Devices - ideal for all types of camouflage."
Activating a small display on his arm, he said, "When I scanned my thumbprint on the data screen earlier, the device was able to read my biological signature before activating itself. That means that these suits will only activate for individuals who you deem fit to wield them. It also means that each suit will be connected to you and your government at all times. That means that no soldier will ever be lost under your watch. If there is an ambush, you will be alerted before they can even radio. This display is equipped with a GPS that will alert them of each other's presence in the field and help when coordinating attacks."
Pressing a function on the touch screen, a strand of memory cloth unveiled at his back. "This highly durable memory cloth can be activated like so..." he said, activating the second function. Suddenly the memory cloth snapped in place in the form of a glider. "This option makes it perfect for paratroopers." William said. "And when you have no use for it, it easily retracts and becomes nearly invisible." With that, he retracted the fabric into a small compartment between his shoulder blades.
"Ergonomically speaking, the suit should not disappoint you or your soldiers." he said, turning around. "It naturally aligns itself with the programmed wearer - supporting the spine and joints comfortably and safely. I took the liberty of programming both you in into this model upon getting this meeting arranged..."
With that, he pressed one of the functions on the wrist display and the suit began to shrink back and shift. Within seconds, it resembled a smartphone in the palm of his hand. "And yes, it also works as a smartphone as well..." he said, almost jokingly. "Would you care to try it out for yourselves?" Placing it on the table in front of them so that they could observe it, Greystoke then took out a small vial; but then quickly placed it back in the case. "Care to examine our latest firearms designs?" he asked. As impressive as the L-87 Tac Suit may have been, William was only getting started...
Turning to Ziccarra, William said, "Of course I can retrofit our equipment to suit your every need. Later on, I will arrange a meeting between you and my technicians. Together, you can design your own customized armaments. The important thing is that you are able to function properly. I will be there as well to make sure that all your needs will be met to the finest point."
Redirecting his attention to Alexis' comments, he took in a deep breath and said, "Yes... 'force fields' are making their way onto the markets these days. However, I find that they do more harm than good by way of collateral damaged. The L-87 Tac Suit is precisely that - tactical in nature. It provides a means to suit up quickly and provide the best possible defense for a relatively low cost. However..."
With that, he motioned one of his technicians to wheel a crate in. Opening it up, Greystoke pulled out a suit of body armor. "This," he said. "is the H-1 Survival Suit - designed for advanced infantry warfare. If you look closely, you will notice Greystoke Industries' trademark vibranium/Kevlar bi-weave. There are customized, reinforced plates where they are needed most; and the bi-weave offers uncompromising protection while supporting full body movement."
Activating a function on the suit's gauntlet, William allowed them to observe the suit's built-in cloaking device. "You see," he said. "This is the best camouflaging device on the market. It completely masks all thermal and infrared detection as well. A soldier can wear one of these and remain completely undetected for up to two days at a time. If he or she remains completely still, then the camouflage can last for nearly one week. It recharges via solar energy, or it can have its power cell charged externally for a quicker charge. It also contains the same adonized coating, communications & vital monitoring, and other tactical functions of the L-87; just on a more solid scale."
Putting the suit back into the crate, William looked at Thee Champion and said, "I know that this design is not the force field tech you were looking for earlier, but such technology can not be controlled. For a solitary, stand-alone soldier operating on his own in enemy territory, it might work... but when you put technology like that around their comrades and technology, there is no way to control where such deflected energies or projectiles might go. The collateral damage could be catastrophic... civilians... equipment... the risk outweighs the benefits. However, the vibranium/Kevlar bi-weave literally absorbs each blow like a lightning rod. The collateral damage is reduced to a minimum."
He then reached back into the case which he brought with him and took out the vial which he had placed back. "You see..." Greystoke began, looking at the vial in his hand then back to Pettis. "Equipment and technology alone do not win wars... soldiers do. I, myself, have gone up against entire companies of heavily-armed troops while I was armed with only a knife; and here I stand before you now... not them."
Taking a seat across from Alexis, William looked him straight in the eye and continued by saying, "Allow me to speak 'off the record,' if I may.... Right now, you and your nation are a sitting target. As we speak, nations are arming themselves with the specific purpose of taking you down. Pretty soon, even your power will be matched; and when it is, you will have to be prepared.... If I were you, I would strike the first blow. Do not wait for your entire fleet to be built. Find ships that are near your waters, capture them, and start building your fleet that way. If tanks are being shipped across Europe, divert their supply routes. Simultaneously, you will then slow down their arms races while aiding your own."
Redirecting his attention back to the vial in his hand, he said, "This serum... It will make your fighting force unstoppable... Increased senses, speed, agility, and strength... able to heal and become stronger in the heat of battle.... Have your own scientists meet with mine and examine to formula itself. You will see no issues, I guarantee it. From there, give it to a few hundred of your troops. Within a few weeks, you can then begin securing Spain's future. The finally... you will have to hire mercenaries. Have them fight for you. Have them train your troops. Have them lead your troops in assaults... but that is just my opinion as a soldier. Whether or not you want to take that course of action is entirely up to you and your wife."
Standing up, William put his suit jacket back on and buttoned it. "In the meantime," he said. "My technicians are waiting with equipment samples and schematics that will meet your desired specifications... armor, weapons, artillery, naval warfare, air support... all of it... I can advise; but the final decision will be yours alone. I will leave you both to discuss the matter. Feel free to contact me once you have reached a decision."
With that, Greystoke left the meeting confident in his company's secure future as well as the future of Spain.
Months had passed since the catastrophe that was Spain... When William Greystoke finally surfaced in North America, the press had eaten him alive. Sure enough, in order to preserve both his company and his freedom, a story had been fabricated. According to "official reports," Greystoke had been captured by Spanish forces before the takeover had officially launched. From there, he was "held against his will" and "forced to continuously develop new instruments of war."
What began as a media crucifixion had evolved into the birth of a hero. The fact that William Greystoke had not only survived his "captivity," but had somehow miraculously "escaped" was astonishing to say the least. Countless talk shows and news programs wanted interviews with William Greystoke to get his side of the story; but he had turned them all down. As months went by, William Greystoke went back to work as the C.E.O. of Greystoke Industries, new threats across the globe had emerged, and William's story faded into obscurity. At any rate, the official stock value of the company had finally begun to climb once again.
The world would never know of William's true involvement with the crisis in Spain. They would never know that he was the infamous mercenary known as the Hunter. They would never know of his legions of immortals scattered across the globe - just waiting for the right moment to strike. They would never truly know of the innocent blood which stained William Greystoke's hands. Furthermore, they would never understand how a man like that could sleep at night...
Truth be told, he slept seldom; but quite well, nonetheless. Everything William did, he did for the Lycan Underworld. During the months that he had faded into obscurity, Greystoke traveled the world and added to his numbers. He had secretly been massing together vast legions of immortals for years (even before the incident in Spain), training them in the ways of combat, and preparing for something big...
New York City - Present Day
High above the city streets, William had sealed off his executive office from all outside distractions. The various pieces of paperwork, holographic models, and other various work-related items had been left unattended at his desk. Aside from the usual work-related equipment which one might find in the office, William's office also contained a comfortable seating area in front of a large fireplace, a personal library, display cases of various awards & memorabilia, and a training area through a hidden passage equipped with various speed bags, kicking targets, a grappling mat, free weights, and other various training equipment.
Working with a large reinforced muay thai bag, William worked on his step techniques. Weaving from side-to-side, William conducted a step then immediately followed through with a powerful roundhouse, tornado, or spinning heel kick. After spending quite a bit of time training at a controlled intensity, William finally let loose. After the final step, William landed a roundhouse kick which ripped the bag from its chains and split its seams. As bits & pieces of leather and padding flew, he ignored it and moved over towards the speed bag - immediately going to work on it.
"Sir, you have a visitor..." a voice said into the com-link in William's ear.
"I know," William replied, pausing his session with the speed bag. "I've been expecting them... Send them in." The Greystoke Legend's finely tuned senses never forgot an individual's scent, the sound of their voice, or even the pattern of their steps. He could sense some individuals up to a mile away. As he left the training area, he changed his shirt and made his way back into the main section of his office.
As the security personnel outside William's office opened the door for his guest, William said, "It's been a while..."
@the_hunter: Sitting in a very formal wear she waited patiently at the front desk, waiting for the Pup she had met days earlier. He was something different to his kind, he had control over his beast. Something that seemed odd to the Celtic Witch. Her attire both drawing attention to her and making it known that she was there to simply speak words with the Grey One, more than find out how he ticks.
@the_hunter: (No worries.)
“Awww.” She strolled over and took a seat near him, placing a manicured hand over her chest. “You know me so well, William. Positively touching. Yes, I have been… off planet. Nothing that needs to be regaled at this point, I suppose.” She took a gulp of the bloodied whiskey. “Naturally, that something is why I’m here. You were my first thought for this new little band I’ve recently been granted. The Rimefrost Society. A Lord of the Lycans in addition to being an established CEO of this fine place…” her hands raised with a smile, “William Greystoke came to mind.”
Letting the glass levitate into the air, she leaned back, one thigh folded over the other leisurely. Her painted fingernails tapped at the armrest. “It’s a conglomerate of powerful people who seek to claim stakes in the world, or more accurately who have stakes already and wish to maintain them. It’s a great resource to meet people like yourself… scratch each others’ backs, protect and form investments, discover new powers. There are four primary leadership roles, one of which just so happens to be yours truly. Each of those give a lovely little signet ring that grants a small shape changing power. More ceremonial than exceptionally powerful. Still, a nice book nonetheless.” Her head tilted, golden hair falling over her delicate shoulder as her silver lips curved at the edge into a smirk. “I could tell you more, but I’d love to show you the main grounds some time. The epitome of peaceful outside since it is completely isolated, its own pocket dimension. The inside has all the luxuries you could desire. But as I said, the real point of interest is the company.” She winked.
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