Under Nick's lead, the group made a quick pass through the products and tech on display in the general lab.
With reporters around, Nick kept things measured, only pulling out stuff cleared for public viewing.
Even so, what they showed off genuinely impressed everyone, drawing a steady stream of praise.
Most of the officials didn't fully grasp the technical details, but they'd been around long enough to spot the difference between real innovation and flashy filler.
They'd toured plenty of tech companies and expos over the years, and genuinely impressive stuff was rare. Today only reinforced everyone's determination to keep this company rooted in Texas.
After the lab tour, Nick walked the group through a few more departments before bringing them to the main conference room, where GM Tyler gave a rundown on Militech's development.
Bill Ferguson and the other officials praised the company and Nick's team warmly, and gave a short address on the significance of the visit.
With that, the whole inspection wrapped up smoothly. The reporters left satisfied, and the mood in the room noticeably lightened.
Bill Ferguson took a slow sip of water, then turned to Nick with a smile. "Nicholas, you know Westfield?"
Nick blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question, then quickly caught up. "You mean the Westfield near here — the biggest urban village in the development zone?"
"That's the one." Bill Ferguson nodded, then turned to his secretary. "Map."
The secretary took a rolled-up map from an aide, brought it over, and spread it across the long table.
Bill Ferguson stood and smiled. "Come take a look."
Nick got up and walked over to stand beside him.
*Westfield Urban Village Redevelopment Plan?*
Bill Ferguson nodded and explained. "As the city's grown, especially with the development zone expanding so fast lately, the current infrastructure just can't keep up with all the new businesses coming in.
Westfield's always been the biggest urban village in the zone. Other villages around here got demolished and redeveloped one after another, but this one's stuck around, untouched.
Honestly, we've tried a few times over the years, and it never worked out. The mess and poverty in Westfield's been dragging down the whole development zone.
This time we're serious. We want to tear the whole thing down and finally sort this out for good.
We're setting aside five billion. After demolition compensation, the rest goes straight into rebuilding the area.
This is the redevelopment plan we drew up. Take a look."
Bill Ferguson tapped the map. "We're planning a central plaza here, with a CBD business district around it — a five-star hotel, a big shopping mall, a whole dining district, and everything else that goes with it.
Down the line, this becomes a major economic hub for the whole development zone — honestly, for all of Texas. It'll drive growth for the surrounding area too.
So — you interested?"
"Hm?" Nick blinked, caught off guard by the direct question. This was clearly aimed at him.
"Secretary Ferguson, you know we're a tech company. We've got no plans in commercial real estate right now," Nick said, politely declining.
Bill Ferguson shook his head. "I'm not asking you to invest in real estate. I'm asking if you want to build your headquarters here.
We need a landmark building in this district. And looking around Texas, you're the only company with the muscle for it. Think it over. Once the demolition wraps up across the village and the surrounding fields, we'll have about six hundred acres. We'll give you a hundred of it — build whatever you want."
*Uh...* Nick stared at the section Bill Ferguson had pointed out, listening to all this. Why did this feel like he was being handed a pie in the sky?
"Our company's still pretty young. I'm not sure we're ready to build our own headquarters yet," Nick said, frowning like it was a real dilemma.
Bill Ferguson waved it off. "It's fine. Your numbers are excellent, you're debt-free — banks would call you a dream client. A headquarters building's a solid fixed asset too. I'm confident they'd fund it without much hesitation.
And to support outstanding local companies settling in Texas, we've decided to give you this hundred acres for free. No demolition compensation, no land-use fees, nothing."
*You want to give it away, but we don't even want it,* Nick thought, keeping his face calm. "How do I put this, Secretary Ferguson — building a headquarters is a huge call for our future, I really can't decide on the spot.
Plus there's a lot that goes into a project like that. It's not something you can just throw up overnight."
"I get it, you've got your concerns, that's fair. Whatever comes up, just say the word, we'll help sort it. Many hands make light work, right?
If it's about policy or taxes, don't worry — our support for standout companies isn't a one-time thing, it's long-term.
And for major companies like yours, working in critical fields — we've actually put together a dedicated support package. Terms are very generous. Nicholas, Texas has genuinely never offered anything like this before." Bill Ferguson pulled a folder from his secretary and handed it over.
Nick forced a smile and opened the folder. When he saw the numbers and bolded terms laid out inside, his expression shifted despite himself.
He looked back up at Bill Ferguson. "Secretary Ferguson, this..."
"Ha, special situations call for special treatment. Can't attract a golden phoenix like you without planting the right tree first."
Bill Ferguson caught his expression and smiled. "Some folks from other places have been getting a little too bold lately, poking around our Texas. Do they really think we're just gonna sit back?
Their goal's obvious — poach the companies we worked hard to build up. We know exactly what's going on.
So this isn't just us caring about your situation — it's gone all the way up to the state level. We've been told, repeatedly, to do whatever it takes to keep you here.
So Nicholas, I really hope you'll give this serious thought. This isn't just what the people of Texas are hoping for — it's what the whole country's watching for."