Many in attendance were already tempted by the SAR-1 Combat Robot.
The price was within reach. The simulated demonstrations looked solid.
But there was still one lingering question the true combat capability of the SAR-1. Could the actual model perform as well as the polished simulation?
"Nolan Lock," a major general from the army finally spoke, his voice firm yet measured, "if your SAR-1 Combat Robot performs as you've promised, then I can guarantee you will receive a very large order from the Army."
Nolan responded with a calm smile, his tone carrying quiet confidence.
"Of course. I assure you, there's nothing exaggerated about my claims."
Not long after, representatives of the Air Force offered the same kind of verbal commitment.
Only the Navy remained silent. Their indifference wasn't surprising naval warfare required entirely different systems, and robots like the SAR-1 simply had no role to play in their current strategies.
As for the private military companies present, none of them voiced any offers either. That, too, was to be expected. Most buyers followed a strict process: expressions of interest first, real orders only after a live combat demonstration.
The only exceptions were the giants groups like Stark Industries. When it came to companies of that caliber, the military was willing to place advance orders, allowing them to begin production immediately. Further tests would only determine whether to expand or scale back those contracts.
It was clear that Lock Industries was far from enjoying that kind of privilege.
Nolan, however, was unbothered. He gestured lightly and addressed the crowd again.
"The SAR-1 Combat Robot is only one of our exhibits today. I encourage all of you to take a look at our other products as well."
The suggestion drew faint smiles from the audience. Everyone knew they had come here solely for the SAR-1. What else could this newly founded company possibly produce that would be worth their time?
But Nolan didn't let their doubt shake him. Patiently, with steady confidence, he began presenting one product after another.
These items weren't cutting-edge marvels. Their technologies came straight from his mysterious system's store affordable enough for him to "purchase" and manufacture.
Yet their appeal was undeniable: low cost, low failure rates, and respectable performance.
They weren't so advanced that they could crush the competition, but they were more than good enough to stir interest. Several military officers exchanged whispers, nodding thoughtfully. Even the private arms dealers leaned forward, curiosity flickering in their eyes.
By the time Nolan wrapped up those presentations, the skeptical smiles had softened into genuine consideration. And then, with deliberate theatrics, he walked toward the final booth, covered by a heavy black cloth.
This was where the T-800 waited.
Not only the arms dealers but even Tony Stark himself drifted over, curiosity glinting in his eyes. At his side, Obadiah Stane wore an expression of mild surprise, though not alarm. After all, no one could threaten Stark Industries' dominance.
Tony pursed his lips, annoyed. If only he had known about the T-800 in advance, he might have shown off his Mark I suit even as an unfinished prototype just to steal the spotlight.
Nolan caught Tony's gaze and allowed himself a sly grin.
The T-800 and Stark's armor had their own strengths. But Tony's arrogance wouldn't allow him to unveil something half-baked. That left Nolan with a golden opportunity.
And he wasn't about to waste it.
With a flourish, Nolan yanked away the black cloth.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
The T-800 stood revealed its humanoid mechanical body gleaming with raw, industrial menace, every inch radiating futuristic precision.
For a moment, no one even cared about its specifications. The sight alone was enough to leave them wide-eyed.
"Mr. Lock, this… what exactly is this?" the same Army colonel asked, unable to restrain himself.
Nolan's smile deepened.
"This," he declared, "is the T-800 Combat Terminator. A humanoid robot. It doesn't come with heavy built-in weaponry, but its programming allows it to master nearly every weapon currently in use by human soldiers.
"And beyond that, the T-800 is capable of outputting over 1,500 kilograms of raw strength. Whether it's urban combat or operating heavy military equipment, the T-800 is designed to be the perfect soldier."
The explanation drew sharp intakes of breath.
On paper, the numbers didn't seem revolutionary. K-01 models already boasted superior strength, and the updated A-01 was even more advanced.
But the horror the genius of the T-800 wasn't in raw strength. It was in adaptability.
A machine that could wield any firearm, withstand enemy fire, ignore pain or fear, and fight with human-like skill?
The crowd's imaginations filled in the blanks. What if you gave it a Gatling gun normally reserved for vehicles and placed it into the hands of a single, unstoppable soldier?
Indestructible. Tireless. Deadly.
It was the closest thing to the perfect killing machine.
Just as the room buzzed with awe, a voice sliced through the excitement.
"Let's be honest. Impressive as it looks, this is nothing more than a half-finished toy."
Everyone turned.
Tony Stark and Obadiah stood there.
Normally, they might have dismissed such remarks. But coming from Tony Stark the genius, the darling of military contractors the words carried undeniable weight.
"Mr. Stark," the Army colonel frowned, "claims like that need proof."
By now, the colonel had grown into something of a Nolan Lock fan. He wasn't about to let anyone dismiss Nolan so easily.
Tony gave a smug chuckle.
"Fine. I'll give you proof. The problem is power. The SAR-1 can function with existing high-capacity batteries. But the T-800? Run it at full power, and the batteries drain in under ten minutes. After that, you've got nothing but a metal statue. Unless, of course, someone can invent a miniature arc reactor. And let me be clear only Stark technology has even the faintest chance of achieving that."
Gasps turned into murmurs.
They all realized the same truth: power supply. That was the Achilles' heel of robotics.
Nolan rolled his eyes.
"You say that as if you've solved it already."
Tony's smirk widened. His head tilted arrogantly, nostrils flaring.
"I've already designed the miniaturized arc reactor. Soon, it'll be done. And along with it, a real suit of powered armor. Unlike certain people here, I don't waste time parading unfinished junk just to impress an audience."
His jab didn't faze Nolan in the slightest.
"Of course it's unfinished. But the technologies are nearly complete. Within three months, every issue will be resolved. Even the power problem. I already have the solution."
Tony laughed under his breath, dismissing him outright.
Nolan ignored him. Tony Stark might be hard to fool, but the military brass? Much easier. They didn't need the details only the vision.
And Nolan always kept his promises. Not because of blind luck, but because of his system. With enough money, he could purchase the missing pieces, no matter how impossible they seemed.
As the saying went: with gold in hand, even Thanos could be defeated.
All he needed were deposits. Once those funds rolled in, turning his words into reality would be child's play.
The military officers didn't dismiss him. Quite the opposite their eyes gleamed with interest. Even several private buyers began asking questions.
"What's the price tag for one of these T-800s?"
Nolan flashed his most charming smile.
"The official price is eight million dollars. But since this is our first batch, I'll let them go for seven million. Of course, interested parties can start by placing a deposit."
Some chuckled, shaking their heads.
"No rush. Let's see a field test first."
They weren't fools. No one was going to pay millions without watching the machine in action.
Still, the promise was there. If the T-800 performed as advertised, its battlefield value could easily surpass that of tanks. And tanks already cost an average of five million dollars apiece.
Pricey, yes. But worth every cent.
Nolan maintained his smile throughout.
The truth was, the original T-800's battery was far too expensive for him to consider. Instead, he had purchased a cost-effective alternative from the system: a disposable super-battery.
For just thirty thousand dollars, it provided 120 hours of continuous operation. He could resell it at three hundred thousand, making a ten-fold profit.
And even with that margin, he told himself, he was still being generous.
Yes.
Nolan Lock, the charitable businessman.
He almost laughed aloud at his own thought.
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