As Castle continued explaining the treadmill's design, Beckett's expression grew increasingly peculiar. "Castle, you claim you couldn't bring yourself to use this thing on Alexis, but why did you actually build it? If all you wanted was to show me the concept, you could've just asked Jarvis to simulate it on the computer. But no—you went out of your way to build this monstrosity. Tell me, are you planning to use it on someone specific? Maybe someone currently in the supercomputer lab?"
Castle didn't even try to deny it. He nodded candidly. "Exactly. On this last trip, I realized how ridiculously out of shape that kid is. We can't let him and Ramsey spend all their time cooped up in the lab. So, I'm thinking about having Big Ivan supervise him running in this cage for an hour every day. What do you think?"
Beckett couldn't help but laugh. She had a soft spot for the two nerdy kids, Harry and Ramsey, who called her "Aunt Beckett." However, she agreed with Castle that they could use some physical activity. Thus, she didn't object to his diabolical plan of using this unrelenting treadmill to push Harry, the less active of the two, into exercising.
Meanwhile, Harry and Ramsey were happily seated in the supercomputer lab. Oblivious to their impending doom, they were gleefully exploring a confidential European database they had hacked into. Harry suddenly shivered, feeling a cold chill. He paused, removed his headphones, and glanced around, finding nothing unusual. Even Jarvis reported no anomalies. Shrugging it off, Harry returned to his clandestine activities with Ramsey, blissfully unaware that Castle's sadistic invention was about to turn their world upside down.
---
The next day, Castle's negotiations with GE went exceptionally smoothly. Both Northrop and GE, along with the U.S. Air Force, were eager to overhaul the aging B-2 fleet. Castle's advanced flight control system and engine upgrade technology were exactly what they needed to breathe new life into the decades-old stealth bombers.
Additionally, Castle's miniature missile designs, initially conceived as a quirky side project, turned out to be an ideal solution for the B-2's lack of self-defense capabilities.
After testing the new flight control system in simulators provided by Northrop, the B-2 pilots were unanimously impressed. This led to the inevitable decision from the highest levels of government: all operational B-2 bombers would undergo comprehensive upgrades.
This was a massive deal for both Northrop, which was recovering from financial struggles, and GE, one of the top three aircraft engine manufacturers globally. GE even offered Castle a 0.5% stake in their company to secure his collaboration.
Castle, having discussed the matter with Mozzie beforehand, made a point of informing Pratt & Whitney about GE's approach. Out of respect for Castle's transparency, Pratt & Whitney didn't object, as there had been no exclusivity agreement. They only asked that Castle treat them fairly with any future inventions.
With all parties aligned, Castle quickly finalized the deal in just two days, securing his share in GE in exchange for the engine upgrade technology.
---
Back at his estate, Castle instructed Big Ivan and his team to retrieve the treadmill from the mechanical lab. The massive contraption, affectionately dubbed the "Point of No Return Treadmill," was now ready for its first test subject: the unsuspecting Harry.
Harry, dragged from the supercomputer lab by Castle, was utterly bewildered. Ramsey trailed behind, having also been coerced into taking a break from their hacking escapades. Standing in front of the peculiar metal cage housing the treadmill, Harry looked at Castle in confusion.
"What's this, Uncle Rick?" he asked, glancing at the machine.
Castle, adopting a serious tone, replied, "Harry, after seeing you at the Air Force base, I realized that sitting in front of computers all day has taken a toll on your health. So, I designed this treadmill for you. Go on, give it a try."
Unaware of the treadmill's sinister mechanics, Harry obediently stepped inside, albeit puzzled as to why a treadmill needed a cage. Trusting Castle not to harm him, Harry didn't notice the amused glances exchanged by Big Ivan's towering bodyguards.
Once the metal door clicked shut behind Harry, Castle cheerfully explained, "Harry, this is the 'Point of No Return Treadmill.' The moment you step in, the door won't unlock until the pre-set time is completed. Today's your first time, so I've set it to 20 minutes. Let's see how it goes!"
Still naive, Harry chuckled. "Uncle Rick, this is a brilliant idea! Forcing lazy people to exercise is genius—"
Big Ivan and his team could hardly contain their laughter. This poor kid has no idea what he's in for. With his round belly and soft frame, Harry would be lucky to last 10 minutes, let alone 20.
Even Ramsey, standing nearby, was intrigued. The high-IQ, low-EQ duo failed to realize that this contraption was specifically designed for people like them. Harry, full of misplaced confidence, boasted that 20 minutes would be a breeze.
Castle wasted no time starting the machine. To accommodate Harry's inexperience, he set the treadmill to a slow jogging pace.
Five minutes later, Harry was drenched in sweat and struggling to breathe, but he stubbornly kept going, especially since Ramsey was watching.
By the 10-minute mark, Harry looked as if the world had betrayed him. He gasped for air and pleaded desperately, "Jarvis, stop the machine… I can't… I really can't…"
Jarvis's calm voice responded through Harry's smartwatch, "I'm sorry, Harry. This machine isn't connected to any network. Per Castle's design, the timer mechanism is irreversible. Not even Mr. Castle can stop the treadmill once it's started."
Harry's face turned pale as he asked, "Then… how do I stop it?"
Jarvis answered matter-of-factly, "You either complete the set time or cut the power. Since no one here is likely to cut the power, your only option is to finish the 20 minutes. You're halfway there. Keep it up, Harry!"
By now, Big Ivan and his men were rolling on the ground, laughing hysterically. Even Ramsey clutched her stomach, tears streaming down her face. Castle's invention was indeed the perfect tool for reluctant exercisers.
But for Harry, it was a nightmare. "Uncle Rick, you tricked me!" he cried between labored breaths.
Ramsey, noticing Harry's predicament, asked cautiously, "Castle, this thing… it's for us, isn't it?"
Hearing this, Harry froze mid-stride. "No way… Uncle Rick, you're not serious!"
Castle's grin grew wider as he confirmed their fears. "Of course it is! You two spend all day in the lab. This treadmill is for your health! Starting tomorrow, Big Ivan will supervise your daily 30-minute sessions. No need to thank me!"
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