Chapter 175: Titan Upgrade
As a conscientious entrepreneur, Harry would certainly not limit his support to mere moral encouragement for his employees.
The Alfheim exploration team comprised 276 members. Harry allocated $300 million from his account to pay bonuses, a move that made headlines the next day.
It was evident that these explorers held a strong sense of contract with Osborn, as no information about the Alfheim scientific research station leaked. The news circulated only among high-ranking officials in the UK and the US.
Under the pressure of the Titans in the air, Britain dared not take any small risks by leaking information. The presence of a group of super soldiers was intimidating enough, but the Titans equipped with formidable firepower were even more terrifying.
These Titans and their pilots were connected through neural links. This technology combined Osborn's innovations with the Chitauri's neural link technology and the driving mechanisms used in the Hulkbuster armor, resulting in astonishingly agile movements—almost unbelievable.
The first version of Titan was merely an experimental model. Actual combat had confirmed the reliability of the Titan system. The next step was to iterate on its design.
In the conference room, Harry was engaged in a holographic meeting with Phineas.
"This design version is decent, but the armor is too weak," Harry said, pulling up the Titan design schematics.
"I understand, but the power supply carried by the Titan can hardly support both the plasma railgun and additional armor simultaneously." Phineas disassembled the armor, revealing a complex array of wiring inside.
Titan's armor wasn't just a simple alloy plate; it was electrified electromagnetic armor. To prevent EMP attacks, the armor featured an anti-EMP design on the exterior.
If they wanted to enhance the armor, it wouldn't suffice to merely add two alloy plates; a complete redesign of the protection system was necessary. According to Phineas's calculations, this would increase the power load and render it unmanageable for the plasma railgun.
These circuits were already optimized, and there was little Harry could do to improve them further.
"Then let's create a lightweight design," Harry suggested after a moment of thought, simplifying the armor and adding a propeller to the back. "This style should be suited for sniping. The armor system is streamlined, with a set of high-power thrusters added for low-altitude flying, making it easier to find sniper positions."
Phineas stroked his chin, finding it feasible: "In that case, it would be best to design a separate EDD system, similar to a tripwire mine."
Phineas understood the concept well, and Harry, the client, felt quite satisfied. He created a new model and continued:
"This configuration is heavily equipped and fitted with large-scale kinetic energy weapons, responsible for suppressing fire in combat."
"Heavy cannon?" Phineas pondered for a moment. "What do you think about this?"
Phineas clicked on the screen, uploading the weapon design for Harry to review.
"Hunter-Killer Cannon" was the name of this weapon.
This device was a large Gatling gun with a caliber of 40mm and a firing rate of up to 3000 rounds per minute. Each Titan could carry 1500 rounds of ammunition.
Phineas had developed a special alloy called "Judas" through the Chitauri alloy. It exhibited better ductility than copper but had terrifying hardness. Phineas used this alloy to manufacture warheads and create various types of specialized ammunition.
The combination of the two was quite powerful, capable of reducing a tank to scrap metal in mere seconds. Who would dare develop such a deadly weapon in private?
Noticing Harry's expression, Phineas felt slightly uneasy: "It's just a hobby. In reality, this design isn't finalized yet."
"That's fine; I initially intended to say it should be equipped with a larger Gauss assault rifle. It's a pity that you didn't have the opportunity to use this concept. Let's incorporate another design."
Thus, the two expanded the Titan's design to a larger size. Now, this model was a genuinely heavy-duty Titan, capable of holding 3600 rounds of Gatling ammunition.
They had created lightweight Titans, heavy Titans, and of course, there needed to be a balanced option.
After much effort, they ultimately had three models of the second-generation Titan.
The lightweight Titan "Polaris," equipped with high-power thrusters and plasma railguns; the heavyweight Titan "Legion," armed with hunter-killer cannons; and the middleweight Titan "The Emperor," which balanced armor and flexibility, equipped with a large Gauss assault rifle.
Among these three Titans, the most versatile was the middleweight Titan "The Emperor." This model was expected to become the mainstream option.
However, the large-scale Gauss assault rifle would need to be developed from scratch, meaning Osborne could currently only produce the Polaris and Legion models.
In the conference room, three imposing Titan projections rotated slowly in the air. Titans were destined to become the main force in extraterrestrial exploration.
Phineas admired these formidable machines, feeling quite pleased, and he let out a long breath.
Harry smiled at the sight and waved his arm, dismissing the Titans: "The work isn't finished yet. Now let's discuss the design of civilian Titans."
In civilian applications, Titans were primarily used for alien exploration. The humanoid mecha would be highly adaptable, aiding explorers in handling various emergencies. However, in daily production, Titans might not be the most efficient option.
For instance, while Titans could dig soil, no one would use them for excavation work—after all, each industry has its own specialties.
Even in agriculture, the Titan's function would be akin to that of a tractor. Ultimately, it would require attachments such as a tiller or a seeder.
The civilian Titan would be equipped with various detectors, and the onboard AI would be replaced with research AI to process the incoming data effectively.
This machine could be deployed on Mars, offering greater ease of use than an exploration vehicle, while also providing explorers with vital support.
The work continued for several days, with Harry only outlining general requirements. More detailed aspects and actual machine testing would have to be handled by Phineas's project team.
After making the final adjustments, Harry settled into his chair and stretched.
"Boss, I must say, you are quite different from what I imagined," Phineas remarked with a smile.
"Then tell me, what did you envision me to be like?" Harry asked, intrigued.
"Well, I pictured you as a mysterious genius who could invent things effortlessly, turning ideas into a super company with just a thought."
"Why do I feel like you're describing Tony Stark?"
Upon reflection, Tony did fit that description. From Stark Industries to Iron Man, it seemed as though he had invented everything on his own, while his research team was rarely seen.
Harry was not like Tony. Much of Osborn's technology was not developed solely by Harry.
Initially, he could only play a supporting role, but over time, he gradually began to participate and conduct independent research. This process consumed a great deal of his energy.
For instance, since discovering gravitonium, he had been reviewing the research of several experts in this field every night.
"I prefer a boss like you, someone who at least allows us to participate—if I were sent to Stark Industries, I would undoubtedly feel lost," Phineas shrugged.
Harry smiled but said nothing.
This perception of Tony was understandable. After all, he was portrayed as an arrogant genius with the intelligence to independently sustain a sizable company.
Harry had his own approach. It was impossible to declare one superior to the other; each followed its own developmental path.
But Harry felt a sense of pride; after all, Osborn had grown much larger and more dynamic than Stark Industries.
Just as he was contemplating this, Tony called.
"Genius child, long time no see."
From his tone, it seemed Tony was not in the best of spirits.
"What's wrong? You sound like you've been partying with 30 Middle Eastern dancers for weeks," Harry teased.
"In a sense, that's close—do you remember our research? I've made some breakthroughs. When do you have time? Let's meet."
"That sounds promising, but I need to head to Russia again. Let's discuss it later."
"Where in Russia are you going? I can come over and find you."
Harry paused for a moment, surprised at Tony's willingness: "That's quite rare; alright, I'll be in St. Petersburg next Friday at 2 PM."
"I can't wait to conduct the experiment—I never enjoy doing research in secret without informing my collaborators, but I have naming rights. I plan to call it Ultron."
After hanging up, Tony turned to the SHIELD agent beside him.
"Is that alright? Can you let her go?" Tony asked, directing his attention to the other side.
"Of course not; Harry Osborn hasn't been captured yet."
Across from Tony, a gun was pressed against Pepper's head.
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Chapter 176: Baron Zemo
On the other side, Harry felt something was off after hanging up the phone.
Regarding the name of artificial life, he had clearly rejected Tony and would not use the name Ultron.
On the other hand, Tony had said, "I don't like to do research without informing my partners." He had said similar things to him and Banner.
No matter how he thought about it, something felt strange.
"Oyce, check the ctOS data. Where is Tony Stark now?"
"The last public appearance he made was his speech at MIT three days ago, and the last time ctOS captured him was at the New York airport."
ctOS cannot monitor Stark Industries; it can only do this.
There seemed to be no problem, so Harry thought for a while and called Aiden again. Aiden was now Osborne's apparent security director. He was responsible for monitoring the company's security and directing ordinary security personnel.
However, Aiden's feedback was that everything was fine. Everything was normal. ctOS had covered half of the United States, with almost no dead spots.
But the more Harry thought about it, the more something felt off. This was a warning from his sixth sense—there was definitely something wrong with Tony's words.
If he considered this premise, who else might have a motive against him?
To be honest, there were many who wanted to target him, but most couldn't find an entry point.
If the entry point they found was Tony… that seemed somewhat plausible.
If he thought about it further, who could use Tony Stark as the entry point?
S.H.I.E.L.D. or Hydra.
Tony's relationship with S.H.I.E.L.D. was not bad; otherwise, he wouldn't have helped them upgrade the Space Carrier. After all, he was the one who said he would close the weapons manufacturing department, but then he switched and upgraded S.H.I.E.L.D.'s equipment.
Fury's phone wasn't getting through, which may or may not be normal. There was no news from the other Avengers. Even Steve Rogers could not be contacted—the centenarian had been staying in his old house in Brooklyn.
Considering all of this, it was clear that this matter must involve Hydra.
After taking stock, he was almost certain that Hydra wanted to do something to him, but how should he deal with it?
This situation was completely out of the plot, and he had to think carefully—not just about how to respond, but also about how to dismantle Hydra in one blow.
If he let the other side go this time, things would become more complicated later.
Currently, he mostly relied on his understanding of the plot to make peach-picking choices, but this incident was entirely divorced from the storyline.
He needed someone who knew Hydra to help him deal with them.
He needed a person who despised Hydra deeply and had strong convictions. Harry knew exactly where to find that person.
Hydra was cautious and secretive. This man was even more so. All he needed was an opportunity.
.....
Sokovia was a small, war-torn, and barren Eastern European country.
What they faced here was not only war and resource shortages but also corruption and depravity.
After the drastic changes in Eastern Europe, the economy here had been severely impacted. The incompetent and corrupt bureaucrats allowed Hydra to build an underground fortress here, parasitizing this already poor country and dragging it further into the abyss.
Helmut Zemo was the Baron of the country, a nation he loved but also despised.
He loved its beauty but hated its corruption and depravity. He once wanted to change all of this. His firm belief and rigorous approach to doing things allowed him to touch on the core issue:
He discovered that an organization that was supposed to be dead was operating in this country, controlling every aspect of life. They were the ones who turned Sokovia into what it was—hopeless.
This organization was Hydra.
When, in the movie, Ultron created by the Avengers wiped this place off the map, he would find that he hated not only Hydra but also the desire of superhumans and ordinary people to become superhumans—a kind of supremacy.
But now, he was still battling wits with Hydra bureaucrats, working for them while pretending to be oblivious.
"Today is a nice day, sir," Zemo's butler said as he brought him red wine.
In response to the butler's words, Zemo took a sip of red wine, looked at the mountains and forests in the distance, and shook his head.
"The weather is nice, but it's just weather."
Affected by the new monetary system gradually established by the United States, Sokovia, which was already poor, was now even poorer. After all, a small country is not a big country.
Especially Sokovia, which appears to be a country but is actually a tool of exploitation for Hydra, providing them with money, manpower, and land.
Seeing that his master was deep in thought, the old housekeeper retreated silently.
Zemo looked at the clouds for a long time, then slowly stood up from the recliner. As he stood, the scene next to him made him freeze in place. The red wine in his hand fell to the ground—
Beside him sat a man wearing armor.
Snapped.
Harry caught the wine glass and set it back on the table.
The mask opened, revealing Harry's face: "I'm Harry Osborn, Baron Zemo. Nice to meet you."
"Mr. Osborn… is there anyone on this planet who doesn't know you?" Zemo calmed down and extended his hand toward Harry.
Though he felt a mix of fear and doubt, he couldn't lose momentum.
Harry shook his hand with interest.
"Let me be clear: I need your help. The enemy is Hydra—the organization that your Prime Minister is actually serving now."
Zemo was stunned.
What was happening here? Harry Osborn had come to his territory and asked for his help against Hydra?
"Wait a minute… where did you land?" Zemo exclaimed—Hydra had spies everywhere!
Harry glanced at the time and replied, "Czechoslovakia. There are still three hours until the plane lands."
The plane applied to land in Czechoslovakia, not under Harry's name, but as the private jet of a wealthy individual in the British catering industry.
He had put on his equipment and flown over en route. The target was small and invisible to radar.
"Time is tight. I need you to give me all the information about Hydra on my computer, and then I will explain the current situation to you."
Harry's tone made Zemo a bit displeased—he was a baron!
On the other hand, why would this wealthy man be in conflict with Hydra? To be honest, Zemo had always thought that Osborn and Hydra had a cooperative relationship.
So Zemo wanted to test the waters: "I don't know what Hydra is, but if you want to discuss something..."
Harry took out a USB flash drive and handed it to Zemo.
The device had a battery built into it, and it could be operated remotely.
"The investment you want to discuss is acceptable to Osborne—but Osborne can also sponsor your neighbors, and the United States can also provide its independent protection for you—don't forget, you're just a province."
This indicated that Zemo was a very capable individual, and he was the right professional counterpart at this moment. Harry wanted to win him over to help with his plans.
Otherwise, with just a bit of manipulation, there could be an official change in leadership here.
Faced with this blatant show of power, Zemo opened his mouth but couldn't speak.
What could he say?
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Chapter 177: A Bit Useless MP
The Baron Zemo in the movie is very different from the one in the comics.
First of all, from the third generation with their roots in the USA to the anti-superhuman vanguard, from a supremacist to a resolute anti-supremacist.
His control over people's hearts and his views on superhuman beings are unique, and his methods are also very mature.
It just so happened that at this stage, Harry could give him what he wanted. The best result was that he would help Harry do things honestly, and he could also make the whole family happy.
"Be happy, Baron. After this matter is resolved, Osborne can help you rebuild—ensuring that everyone has a house to live in." Harry patted Zemo on the shoulder.
No matter how big a deal it is, in terms of basic life in Sokovia, using Osborne's construction technology can ensure that everyone has welfare housing. At most, they still have to worry about food, but soon they will be able to move from Yare Fheim and obtain new technology.
Zemo didn't cry, nor did he laugh.
It was certainly a good thing that Osborne was willing to invest, but after being threatened like that, he was not happy at all.
"Okay... where do we start?" Zemo took Harry's USB flash drive and completely gave up resistance. The key was that he couldn't resist.
"Not bad, it seems you have entered the state." Harry stretched out his hand, and the holographic projection played Osborne's satellite image. "We start with your family."
As mentioned earlier, Sokovia is the headquarters of Hydra, so naturally all bureaucrats and family members must be monitored.
Especially Zemo, who is not directly affiliated with Hydra but works under their command.
Hearing this, Zemo looked at Harry.
"What? You don't think I would leave your wife and children alone and then drag you into my group, do you?" Harry spread his hands.
Don't tell me, Zemo really has this kind of uneasiness.
After all, the most common thing in TV works is that the protagonist's assistant's family is tied up, and the protagonist and the villain are seen jumping left and right, ultimately becoming the victims.
Harry doesn't claim to be a good person, but he certainly won't let his men become victims casually.
Now that he was talking about his wife and children, Zemo became more energized—in fact, he had considered this issue many times.
The plan is also simple—"kill" them.
Zemo's family all live in a villa outside the city, guarded by shifts of his elite commandos.
But to be honest, these elite commandos might also be Hydra. Zemo couldn't be sure. To be precise, he didn't dare to be sure. They were too close, so it was better to be confused.
Zemo's most ideal plan was to hire a team of mercenaries, raid the house, kill everyone, and take his family away.
Obviously, this plan is too crude—can the mercenaries really defeat those soldiers? Will his family not be accidentally injured? Won't the mercenaries get caught and leak the news?
Therefore, he will continue to investigate Hydra, but he will not take too many actions, and most of the targets of the investigation are foreign forces.
But now with Osborne's intervention, it's different. There are many more optional operations.
A plan took shape in Zemo's mind.
Zemo said, "I had a 'rival' in a neighboring country who would hire soldiers to raid homes, kill all the soldiers, and take my family away.
The elite commando team is very powerful, and I need support from Osborne—it is best to solve the battle in a crushing way. I built a safe house in the house, but that is not necessarily safe.
This part is the most important, and I hope those Osborne guys have the skills to fix this."
Harry nodded; it was a minor problem.
"Then I want you to deal with those mercenaries and eliminate the evidence," Zemo said.
"Where's your 'opponent'?" Harry asked.
Zemo paused for a moment: "He is fine; we can keep him alive."
Harry touched his chin. It seemed a bit troublesome to keep him alive, but Zemo seemed unwilling to kill him—maybe he had some backup plan.
In fact, even killing him would make the whole thing very suspicious. It is not uncommon in these places for hostile officials to assassinate their opponents, but after the killing, it is very strange that the mercenary is dead, and the mastermind behind the scenes is also dead.
Dealing with Hydra doesn't know how long it will last, and Harry still needs the secret assistance of Zemo, a man who has nothing to do with Osborne.
Harry thought for a while and said, "This point involves too much; let's change our thinking.
There is a member of Parliament who has connections with some arms companies—you should know him. He has always advocated your independence. If you leak your information a little bit, he will take action.
Since it has his support, it is normal for HAMMER Industries to support these mercenaries with some weapons."
In the end, HAMMER Industries was not dismantled into a ballpoint pen manufacturer. Instead, it was controlled by several congressmen and engaged in some small arms business.
Of course, business has not been very good in recent years.
Osborne can pretend to acquire hammer Industries, and these congressmen will most likely be tempted to make a deal before taking action, and then raise the price.
Attacking Zemo, provoking a war between the two countries, and then taking the opportunity to resell arms is almost engraved in their DNA.
Even if they didn't do this, Harry had a complete set of the congressman's biometric information, so it would be easy to blame them.
Zemo was stunned when he heard the word "Senator": "U.S. Senator?"
Harry gave him a strange look: "Of course the United States Senator."
Norman's control over the American political scene is far beyond the imagination of the outside world. Harry would sigh in his heart when he sees it—thanks to Norman's operation, Harry has many chess pieces to use.
Zemo silently closed his mouth—there were some things he didn't know, and it was just a good idea to understand the strength of the person behind the scenes.
It makes sense for the senator to hire soldiers to attack Zemo—sowing tension between the two countries and then looking for an opportunity to sell arms.
However, this congressman had already been photographed by ctOS, and Norman kept him as a chess piece for Harry.
"Then...my father will find out the facts of their corruption and then be arrested. Finally, he will find out the matter, which will set an example for other countries."
Osborne was also able to move away from the acquisition process.
Hydra can track down Zemo's informants overseas, but they can't act lavishly in the USA.
Besides, Norman has been investigating the corruption of congressmen, so this will not be too sudden.
So the final result is that Baron Zemo's family in Sokovia was attacked by unknown terrorist elements. The whole family was unfortunately killed, and only part of the wreckage was found.
These remains are actually Osborne's cloned biological tissue.
The next day, Zemo captured the team and discovered that they were hired by an American congressman and demanded an explanation from the USA.
The congressman was then discovered to have colluded with Hammer Industries and committed numerous illegal acts; he was arrested and sent to prison to serve his sentence.
As long as it reaches the federal prisons where Osborne monitors are everywhere, Hydra has nothing to do.
Besides, whether they can detect this level is a question.
"The plan is good...just..." Zemo had to admit that this plan was indeed more reliable, but it just made him feel a little...
"It's just a bit useless as a congressman," Harry shrugged, finishing what Zemo wanted to say.
But there were may two-legged MPs everywhere, and Harry could take the opportunity to support one again.
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