The early morning light bathed the roads of New Hudson in a soft golden glow as Matthew Hesh and Robert Anders sped through the bustling streets in an open-top automobile. The vehicle, a prototype jeep designed by Hesh Motors, was a rugged, utilitarian variant of their commercial line, built specifically for off-road and military purposes. Its sturdy frame and oversized wheels handled the uneven cobblestones with ease, drawing curious looks from pedestrians and workers alike.
In the back of the jeep, a reinforced steel crate was securely fastened, its contents protected by a heavy-duty lock. Inside were the prototypes that Matthew and his team had poured weeks of effort into: the bolt-action rifle, the belt-fed machine gun, and the semi-automatic pistol. Today, they were en route to the United Army Command Headquarters to present these designs to General Nathaniel Warner.
