After trying on the smart glasses handed to him by Jarvis' mechanical arm, Castle felt quite satisfied. In this world, where technology and materials science lagged far behind the Marvel universe, managing to create a pair of smart glasses almost as good as the original ones Tony Stark used was nearly a miracle for him. He knew he had pushed his limits.
Don't get it wrong—this isn't an insult to this world's technological development. Not at all.
Consider the materials science and other advanced technologies of the Marvel world. They were genuinely ahead of the world Castle currently inhabited. Take S.H.I.E.L.D.'s flying aircraft carrier, for instance—although an incredible concept, could Northrop Grumman, the only American company capable of building nuclear-powered carriers, make such claims here? S.H.I.E.L.D.'s aircraft carrier was powered by a cold fusion reactor, technology stolen from Stark Industries. Yet in Castle's world, they hadn't even mastered hot fusion!
When the system rewarded Castle with Tony's mechanical skills and related memories, it also conveniently blocked the overly-advanced Arc Reactor technology, leaving him with no shortcuts.
The difference in materials science was even greater. Castle held Jarvis' painstakingly crafted smart glasses, lamenting that his dream of mass-producing them had been dashed by the prohibitively high costs. Even with large-scale production, the new materials needed made the unit cost over a million dollars. Castle doubted anyone else would be foolish enough to buy a pair without the AI assist that he had.
On a brighter note, his smart wristbands had caught Joe's attention recently, and thanks to Castle almost giving away the licensing rights, Joe had already acquired the authorization. These wristbands could be combined with Joe's smartphones, so they were about to hit the market. Now, Castle's friends wearing the wristbands didn't stand out as much.
With a sigh, Castle put down the glasses. Even with his wealth, he didn't dare produce more without breakthroughs in materials science. Jarvis had access to some of the advanced materials from his system's rewards, but synthesizing them was insanely expensive. They were barely affordable for Castle, Beckett, and a few others.
Castle was realistic about his limitations. Trying to recreate all of Tony's expertise alone was a fantasy. He could only push himself so far before recognizing the need for a team of real scientists. After confirming the glasses worked, he put them down and left, telling Jarvis to set up a meeting with Hughes Corporation to discuss his private satellite preparations.
It was already mid-October, less than three months before Benjamin Arthur, his candidate, would take office as the new president. When that man, known as the unluckiest president in history, took office, Castle would have nothing to fear from any intelligence agency. He could then take some liberties without consequence.
A custom satellite wasn't a supermarket item, after all. Even ordering now, it would take at least a year to build one to his specifications. And Castle didn't want just one; he needed several. Getting them up before Arthur moved into the White House was the goal.
With these satellites in place, Castle could use them not only to watch events unfold with popcorn in hand but also to lend the Spartan Emperor a helping hand, earning further favor from Benjamin. This prospect made Castle smile mischievously.
But while Castle was imagining watching the chaos from his private satellite, an unexpected visitor arrived at his estate's gate.
When Big Ivan notified Castle of the arrival, he was baffled. That old geezer, Nameless, was here again?
Though recent shamelessness had helped some regain credibility after the eavesdropping scandal, why on earth was this guy here?
Castle had no clue why Nameless wanted to see him, but he knew the man wouldn't leave without a face-to-face. Strangely, Jarvis hadn't picked up on any recent CIA interest in him.
Perplexed, Castle instructed Big Ivan to let Nameless in. Soon, they met in the main hall of Castle's mansion. But the last thing Castle expected was for the old man to startle him right away: "Mr. Castle, I apologize for intruding. But from your expression, it's clear you not only know me but are aware of my true identity. This confirms some of my suspicions…"
Castle silently cursed himself. He hadn't met this man before, yet his facial expressions had betrayed him, revealing that he recognized him and even knew his identity. This old fox had figured it out instantly.
Trying to control his surprise, Castle responded, "I have no idea what you're talking about, sir. Who are you, and what brings you here?"
Nameless ignored the denial, studying Castle's expression before formally introducing himself and his background. Then he got straight to the point. "Mr. Castle, I believe you've guessed why I'm here. I represent my department in seeking access to the tracking software currently in use at the NYPD's 12th Precinct—where your girlfriend works."
"Our intelligence is accurate, so there's no point in denying it. I came in good faith. If that software could be replicated, we wouldn't need to knock on your door!"
Castle was beyond annoyed. Just last night, Beckett had assured him that the watered-down God's Eye developed by little Miss Ramsay was securely protected. Yet here came the CIA right to his doorstep. Where was the justice in that?
While internally fuming about Beckett's blunder, Castle maintained a firm tone: "I don't know what you're talking about. And even if I did, why should I help you? That recent scandal hasn't even fully died down, and you're already seeking to spy on citizens again? What if I expose your plans?"
Nameless kept his thin smile. "Mr. Castle, I wouldn't be here without leverage. Sir, we know you've met your father, Sean. Didn't he explain why he's stayed away from this country for so many years?"
Castle sneered, "You mean because of that corrupt little organization within your agency, the so-called LokSat? Do you really think this is some big secret, or that it can threaten me?"
Nameless's smile disappeared as Castle nonchalantly dropped the name "LokSat." The old man's face darkened; he hadn't expected Castle to know that name. Even Sean, Castle's father, was unaware of it.
When Sean left the CIA, the group didn't even have that name. The title "LokSat" had only been adopted ten years ago. So how could Castle know?
Suddenly, Nameless regretted showing up so unprepared today. He still wanted to salvage the situation, though, as his previous attempts to extract the tracking software from the German hacker had failed. For reasons unknown, the software wasn't replicable. Now, his only hope was getting it from Castle or his hacker ally, Harry, who'd applied it at the NYPD.
Nameless had suspected a connection from the moment he'd heard the NYPD was testing a tracking program. At the time of the hacker's abduction in Frankfurt, Harry, who was closely associated with Castle, had been staying at Castle's estate. What did that suggest?
With that, the CIA had sent Nameless to New York, hoping for a frank conversation with the elusive Castle. But with a single word, Castle had just blown Nameless's cover wide open.
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I Am Zeus, KING OF GODS (Chapter 79)
Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 391)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 471)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 677)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 1059)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1418)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1422)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1452)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1504)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld!(Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 703)
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