The hum of machinery filled the air as Peter led the delegation deeper into the heart of the facility. The polished corridors gave way to massive reinforced doors that slid open with a hydraulic hiss, revealing cavernous hangars where rows of machines stood like slumbering giants.
"This," Peter began, his voice calm but carrying weight, "is the storage for the EXO-45 Patriot Mk. II combat walkers. Each frame is powered by a stabilized pinch fusion core and outfitted with dual-function railgun-plasma hybrid cannons. Modular pods in the right allow for mounting of missile pods, other forms of directed weapons or recon packages. Think of it as mechanized cavalry for the twenty-first century."
The Army General leaned forward, eyes gleaming. One of the generals muttered under his breath, "That's more firepower than an armored company."
Peter caught it and allowed himself a thin smile. "That's the point."
They moved on. Another hangar opened up, this one alive with activity as engineers guided the sleek angular frames of craft suspended on magnetic rails. Their sharp wings and reinforced fuselages gleamed under spotlights.
"F-302 Mk. II, codenamed StarHawk." Peter said. "In-and-exo-atmospheric fighter interceptor and light bomber. Built with stealth composites, Lithium Triteride armor and powered by dual cold fusion reactors. Mach 8 in-atmosphere, orbital capability and a weapons suite adaptable for both strike missions and deep-space intercepts."
The Air Force generals exchanged sharp looks, one letting out a low whistle. "You just rendered half our development projects obsolete."
"Not my problem." Peter replied evenly.
Finally, Peter guided them into the last hall. Rows of armored suits stood upright in racks, their matte black plating accented by the light grey in the seams. Test dummies, already marked with ballistic impacts, stood nearby riddled with holes where the armor had deflected rounds.
[Image]
"This is our next-generation infantry platform," Peter explained. "Codenamed Warrior. It integrates advanced full body ballistic protection upto .50 cal, built-in night vision and augmented reality HUDs, digital targeting and powered exoskeleton support that boosts soldier strength by a factor of five. The Palladium-variant arc reactor provides one gigajoule per second of output with built-in safeguards to prevent tampering. In other words, it can power the suit for a long time, without risk of sabotage."
One of the Army officers stepped forward, unable to hide his awe. "We'll take them. Patriots too. Ground forces need these systems more than anyone."
A Navy admiral cleared his throat sharply. "With respect, we'll need the fusion core tech for our carriers. The fleet cannot remain dependent on outdated fission systems."
The Air Force general cut in, his tone clipped. "What we need is StarHawks. Air superiority is the deciding factor in any war. The rest can wait."
The voices rose, each branch jostling for priority. Demands layered over demands, the room teetering on the edge of chaos until one voice cut through with the force of a hammer.
"Enough."
Ross's growl silenced the room. His gaze locked onto Peter, sharp and unyielding. "All this talk means nothing without proof. Specs and promises don't win wars. Demonstrations do."
Peter folded his arms. "What kind of demonstration are we talking about?"
Ross's lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smile. "A live trial. Your Patriots, your Warriors, your StarHawks—against the cutting-edge of the U.S. military. Drones, armor, aircraft. You say your tech outclasses the world by decades. Prove it."
Gwen, standing off to the side with Pepper, frowned. "Sounds like he just wants to watch toys smash each other."
Tony smirked, whispering to her, "That's exactly what he wants. But it'll also shut them up. Win-win."
Peter didn't hesitate. "Fine. You want a demonstration? You'll get one. But when my machines outperform yours and they will—I expect your branches to stop circling like vultures. I'm not here to play politics. I'm here to prepare."
Ross's eyes narrowed, his voice a low rumble. "Then let's see what you're really capable of, Parker."
The officers exchanged looks. Excitement, dread, calculation.
The gauntlet had been thrown.
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