Iraq
New Baghdad, 3:00 AM
Gigant Base Airport (Code Name: Zeus)
A heavily modified C-17 transport plane, unrecognizable from its original form, slowly descended vertically onto the base's runway, supported by its rotatable jet engines on both wings.
This C-17 was Fisher's private jet. As a former military man, Fisher thought those who used Airbus A380s or Gulfstream G550s as private planes were sissies. The internal cargo hold of this C-17 was reduced by half, now only able to accommodate two six-wheeled armored vehicles side-by-side. The remaining space was converted into a bedroom, dining room, and home theater. If Kate hadn't refused, Fisher would have even tried to install an aerial swimming pool.
Besides internal modifications and flight control system upgrades, the cockpit of this C-17 also underwent significant changes. The cockpit windows were covered with armor, replaced by holographic sensors. If the "Flying Coffin" control system wasn't unsuitable for the C-17, Fisher would have even tried to install that.
The external appearance of the C-17 also changed considerably. Twin automatic cannons were installed on the dorsal and ventral sides, and there were two missile pylons on the belly, capable of carrying four air-to-air missiles. In terms of power, the original four Pratt & Whitney PW2040 turbofan engines were replaced by six vector plasma jet engines, providing more horsepower and faster speed. The R&D department even went so far as to install retractable pontoons on the underside of this C-17, code-named Paladin, to support emergency water takeoffs and landings.
Fisher's modifications were even included in Boeing's promotional brochure, causing quite a stir. Many wealthy Russian and Middle Eastern tycoons were interested, but they couldn't buy a C-17, so they had to settle for modifying an Airbus instead.
"Welcome to Iraq, sir!" As Fisher leisurely stepped off the plane, two men immediately greeted him.
Cormac Madsen, just 38 years old, had served alongside Fisher in the Marine Corps. Their different units once participated in a joint rescue operation, during which Fisher bravely and fearlessly rescued two severely wounded friendly soldiers amidst heavy gunfire. This left a deep impression on Cormac. Later, due to his daughter's schooling, Cormac chose to retire. Fisher, having just founded Gigant, invited this acquaintance to join him. Of course, the fact that this Cormac shared a name with the Cormac from the COD 11 universe also played a significant role.
The other man's most striking feature was his arms: two mechanical prosthetics.
Dr. Samuel Hayden. Perhaps due to the butterfly effect, many characters in this world emerged, remarkably similar to those in Fisher's memory. For example, this Samuel Hayden also suffered from an incurable disease, with his bodily functions slowly deteriorating. As an expert in mechanical engineering and applied physics, he thought of using machinery to replace his gradually failing limbs. For this, he sought help from Fisher, simply because Gigant's prosthetic technology was currently the most advanced.
How could Fisher not accept a subordinate who came knocking? He not only provided Dr. Samuel Hayden with the modifications he desired but also assigned a dozen scientists to assist him. After the initial modifications were completed, Dr. Samuel Hayden immediately used the team Fisher provided to form Gigant's core team. All the technical blueprints and wreckage Fisher acquired from various worlds were entrusted to him for reverse engineering.
"How have things been recently?" Fisher shivered, exhaling a puff of white air into the chilly morning, having just had a fleece-lined trench coat draped over him by Kate, and asked with concern.
"No major issues. Both the Sons of Truth and the Sentinel units have completed the deployment of the new exoskeleton armor, which can make our soldiers fight ten-to-one! However, we are still in urgent need of more pilots. The base currently has six F-52 squadrons, but only enough pilots for four. Although we recruited hundreds of volunteers from around the world over the past year, it will still take them half a year to master flight techniques. I will give you a detailed report tomorrow morning!"
Cormac briefly introduced the current situation at Zeus Base.
"I have quite a lot here. You should come to the lab and see them one by one. Currently, we are working hard to solve the heat dissipation problem of the Hecatoncheires. As for the two Armament Avians, assembly should be completed in about three months!"
"All the hard work hasn't been in vain!" Fisher exclaimed, deeply moved.
"???" While admiring his boss's usual wild ideas, the few strange remarks that popped out still left everyone present bewildered.
"It's nothing. Let's rest now. Tomorrow morning we'll go see the Hecatoncheires!" Fisher waved his hand, "Come on, let's go to bed first."
Since Gigant's arrival in Iraq, investments and inspections from other countries have steadily increased. In New Baghdad, many star-rated hotels have sprung up along the Tigris River, which flows through the city. The newly restored ecological environment has also attracted a large number of tourists, and the healthy economic cycle has benefited the local Iraqi population. Since they can earn money peacefully, the armed factions naturally stopped confronting Gigant's heavily armed security forces.
Of course, Fisher would never stay in outside hotels. Those hotels were not only expensive but also had weak security, with occasional theft incidents. It was much better to rest in the dedicated villas within the Gigant base. These villas were also an unspoken benefit Fisher provided to his subordinates. If a Gigant employee's family visited the base, they would enjoy free airfare, accommodation, and could stay in these villas. Fisher understood the principle of keeping his soldiers well-fed. Especially in Gigant's early days, when the company was small, almost every employee had four or five insurance policies, and if anything happened to them, their families would receive millions in compensation.
Such generous treatment, coupled with Fisher's approachable demeanor, meant that the loyalty of Gigant's internal employees was generally above 70 (90 being die-hard loyalists).
..."Salute!"
After a night's rest, a refreshed Fisher, dressed in a light gray training uniform, walked into the main building of the base. The sentry on duty at the gate, seeing his boss pass by, raised his voice a few decibels louder than usual.
"Good morning, everyone!" The bustling hall instantly fell silent the moment Fisher pushed open the door. Looking at the dense crowd, Fisher felt a deep sense of accomplishment.
Upon learning of the big boss's arrival, almost all of Gigant's Person in charge in Iraq had gathered there. The heads of the combat units were on the left, while the economic and scientific research personnel were on the right, clearly divided.
"Alright, everyone, please sit down!" Fisher pulled out a chair and sat down, picking up the PDA beside him and carefully reviewing it.
As of 2010, Gigant had grown into a behemoth with over two million employees. Its specific data is as follows:
Combat forces deployed in Iraq: 60,000 (excluding air force and navy), specifically divided into ten assault brigades (Sons of Truth) and one special operations brigade (Sentinels).
Equipment data is as follows:
T-740 Titan Transformable Tanks: 120 units
Infantry Fighting Vehicles / Armored Vehicles: 400 units
Falcon Assault Gunships: 160 units
MV-66 Giant Bird VTOL Transport Aircraft: 280 units
F-52 Fighter Jets: 96 units (expected to be fully deployed on the Hecatoncheires)
F-16 Fighter Jets: 72 units
Su-25 Attack Aircraft: 24 units
Xi'an Multi-purpose Transport Aircraft: 108 units
Enterprise-class Littoral Combat Ships (equipped with electromagnetic cannons and drone hangars): 10 vessels
Frigates and Patrol Boats: 30 vessels
Fisher's mouth almost split into a grin at the dense data. With this army, Fisher felt he could even contend with one of the permanent five UN Security Council members (yes, I'm talking about you, UK).
A massive military force also requires even greater economic support. The average annual military expenditure reached six billion greenbacks (even exceeding Germany's). These funds came from Gigant's energy development, maritime transport, resource exploration, and arms trade. Of course, there were also some unsavory black ops. In 2010 alone, the CIA paid Gigant nearly two billion.
"Once the subsequent funding for EXO is in place, continue to increase investment in aviation! Mr. Williams, it's best to intensify space-air training for pilots. Are there any difficulties?"
Williams Reinhardt, the head of Gigant's air force, was formerly a member of the German Federal Armed Forces, with over twenty years of flight time and proficiency in over thirty types of aircraft. If not for causing casualties during a military exercise, he would now be at least a lieutenant general. Unfortunately, there are no ifs. A frustrated Williams initially wanted to become a civilian airline captain in the United States to support his family, but the airline's Person in charge, seeing his resume, immediately referred him to Fisher.
"No difficulties, BOSS. The new batch of pilot cadets has completed approximately six hundred hours of adaptive training. Now we just need to wait for our big boys to enter service, and the space-air force will quickly become combat-ready!"
"You don't have to worry about that. As long as our current few problems are solved, the big guys you want will appear very soon!" Dr. Samuel Hayden patted his chest.
"Then I'll be waiting at your lab door every day to see when you can solve the problem!"
"When we can solve the problem depends on when BOSS can get us the materials we need!"
"Materials? Is someone refusing to sell us materials? Should we go and cause them some trouble?" Hearing an opportunity, Anthony Parman, the head of the Sentinels and former Delta Force commander, who was tired of fighting counter-insurgency wars, eagerly jumped up to volunteer for battle.
"No, your mission isn't here, Anthony. I need you to turn Iraq into a true, worry-free rear base. Turn this land into our territory, understand?"
"Understood!"
"No, you don't understand!" Fisher rubbed his temples, stood up, and slowly said, "I know many of you don't understand many of my orders, but you still steadfastly execute them. Now, I won't hide anything anymore. Everyone, what do you think about alien life?"
"Alien life?" The rough, military-trained men exchanged glances, while many scientists on the other side already had sparkling eyes.
"Our Earth seems peaceful, but it is already fraught with danger. As early as the 1990s, aliens tried to attack Earth. Although they were stopped in the end, they will not give up. I know some of you might think it's impossible, but I want to tell you that in less than three years, our home will undergo earth-shattering changes, and we are the pioneers responsible for its safety. Everyone, we can make a bet!" Fisher pulled out three dollars and placed them on the table.
"A maximum of three dollars. Does anyone want to bet with me?"
"Sir, I think it's unlikely. I'll bet!" An Asian Gigant executive placed down one dollar.
"Me too!"
"Me too!"
Within a few minutes, everyone in the conference room had placed their bets. The heads of the scientific department almost all bet on Fisher's side, while the military heads were split fifty-fifty.
"Kate, did you finish recording?"
"Hmm, it's all recorded!" The little secretary nodded.
"Good, everyone, let's wait and see!"
..."By the way, can you stop looking at me like that?" In the somewhat bumpy cabin, Fisher uncomfortably said to Kate, who had been staring at him with a scrutinizing gaze for almost half an hour.
"What's wrong? I just want to know when you became a prophet! Also, are aliens really attacking Earth?" Kate asked with a smile, half-reclining in her flattened seat.
"This isn't a prophecy; it's a fact, a fact that is destined to happen. And what I want to do is make those inevitable tragedies disappear! Do you believe me?"
"I believe you. From the moment you pulled me out of the burning warship and into the sea, I believed everything you did was right!" Kate said, pulling open her collar and pointing to a scar on her chest with a serious expression.
"Then you won't be disappointed!"
"Sir, we are approaching the Zagros Mountains!" The pilot suddenly announced loudly.
"Open the hatch!" Fisher, wearing his communication headset, gestured to the pilot.
The side hatch of the Falcon gunship opened, and before Fisher could even stick his head out, a gust of wind carrying sand washed over his face.
As the end of the Mesopotamian Plains, the Zagros Mountains in the northwest have always been a sparsely populated area. Especially after Gigant's arrival, the Iraqi government even specifically relocated some remote civilians to the plains, simply because Gigant had contracted this mountain range. The reason? It's simple: this mountain range has mineral resources, and its complex terrain with abundant cover makes it perfect for a secret base. The several large vessels Gigant is currently building are hidden beneath these mountains.
Today, I finally sent over the contract. What was supposed to be done in May dragged on until June. I really am useless, a chronic procrastinator. Also, if you find this chapter to be filler, please let me know, and I'll write it like this from now on.