"Sir, the first batch of 5,000 Starlink satellites is ready for launch."
Inside the Skynet Base, Skynet reported the latest progress on the Starlink project.
"The launch site will be the rooftop of Mason Industries Tower. Using electromagnetic propulsion, we will continuously launch 500 micro-rockets, each carrying ten Starlink satellites."
Since these rockets utilized electromagnetic propulsion, there was no need for large chemical fuel tanks. With Gene's technology, which defied human understanding, launching rockets from the top of Mason Industries Tower was no longer impossible.
On the automated assembly line inside Skynet Base, robotic arms swiftly installed micro Starlink satellites into rockets before transporting them to the rooftop of Mason Industries Tower.
This unusual activity immediately caught global attention.
"What is Mason Industries doing?"
"Why does it look like they're setting up a rocket launch pad on their rooftop?"
"What are those vertical structures? Are they… rockets?"
"Oh my God!"
…
Within moments, all eyes around the world were fixated on Mason Industries Tower.
Then, Mason Industries released an official announcement:
"Seven days from now, Mason Industries will launch the first batch of Starlink satellites from the rooftop of our headquarters."
The moment this statement was released, a global uproar erupted.
People had heard rumors about the Starlink project—how it planned to launch over 10,000 satellites into low Earth orbit—but no one expected Mason Industries to progress so quickly.
How much time had even passed since the project was first mentioned?
And now they were already launching?
Moreover, the launch site shocked everyone.
They were going to launch rockets from the rooftop of a building?
Would Mason Industries Tower even withstand the immense force of a rocket launch?
"This is impossible!"
At NASA headquarters, Director Clayson stared at the announcement in disbelief, shouting in shock.
Rocket launches were a highly complex process. How could it be done from such a small space?
"But, Director Clayson… based on satellite images, we can already see numerous rocket-like structures on top of Mason Industries Tower."
A staff member cautiously pointed this out.
"No way! Who does Mason Industries think they are? They're just a weapons contractor! What makes them think they can launch rockets? This is pure fantasy!"
Clayson squinted at the satellite images, unwilling to believe that Mason Industries had the capability to launch Starlink satellites from a building rooftop.
And he wasn't alone.
Experts, engineers, and space agencies worldwide shared his skepticism.
To them, launching a rocket required an enormous launch complex—not some corporate skyscraper rooftop.
"Sitting back to watch Mason Industries embarrass themselves!"
"Launching satellites from a building? Have they lost their minds?"
"Has Gene Mason's ego gone through the roof? This is impossible."
"That entire tower is going to get burned down by the rocket fuel!"
"Are they actually planning to demolish their own brand-new headquarters?"
Online discussions were filled with mockery. Most people believed Mason Industries was making an attention-grabbing stunt rather than an actual scientific breakthrough.
___
One day before the scheduled launch, a flood of reporters gathered outside Mason Industries Tower.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military and NASA deployed Starlink satellites to monitor the rooftop launch site in real-time.
They wanted to see for themselves how Mason Industries would handle what they assumed would be an inevitable failure.
___
Inside Gene's office, Skynet's voice echoed.
"Sir, we have detected Starlink satellites hovering directly above us. Should we breach their systems?"
Gene chuckled as he scrolled through the news.
"No need. We're launching our satellites in broad daylight—nothing to hide."
"If we hack them now, it'll only raise suspicion."
Gene saw the overwhelming skepticism online.
A smirk formed on his lips.
They didn't believe?
Fine.
Then he'd let them see what true technology looked like.
___
Meanwhile, at NASA headquarters, chaos erupted.
"What did you just say?!"
"Mason Industries is inviting the media and aerospace experts to witness the launch firsthand?!"
Director Clayson was dumbfounded.
"Correct, sir. We just received an official invitation. They're inviting you to attend in person."
A staff member forwarded the digital invitation to Clayson's inbox.
Clayson narrowed his eyes, reading through the email carefully.
What was Gene Mason playing at?
Why was Mason Industries acting so confident?
Doubt crept into Clayson's mind.
After all, Mason Industries had already pulled off multiple technological miracles before.
But no—he refused to believe this.
They could not launch satellites from a building rooftop.
They simply lacked the proper conditions!
"Fine."
"Tell them I'll be there personally."
Clayson sneered.
He was going to see this disaster unfold with his own eyes.
And he wouldn't be the only one.
Heads of aerospace agencies worldwide also received invitations from Mason Industries.
"What is Mason Industries up to?"
"They dare invite us to watch?"
"Are they asking to be humiliated?"
"Haha! I can't wait to see how Gene Mason explains this nonsense!"
...
Meanwhile, outside Mason Industries Tower, journalists celebrated.
News had just broken—Mason Industries had granted them access to the rooftop for live coverage.
Tomorrow, they would have front-row seats to what they expected to be the biggest failure in modern aerospace history.
Oh, how wrong they were.
--------------
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