Chapitre 25: V2 Ch25
A year after the introduction of transformium (techno-organic virus), the Howlett estate's territory entered a phase of rapid technological and infrastructural development. Sufficient biological materials collected from all over the world with the help of Leviathan was regularly transported and converted into techno-organic mater. The landscape of the Howlett especially in cities like Providence, Yellow Knife, Zima, was transformed dramatically, with new facilities, advanced infrastructure, and bustling hubs that seemed to meld with the natural environment.
The first and most noticeable change was the skyline. Cities within the Howlett territory now featured towering trees that dwarfed the surrounding landscape. Imbedded beneath these trees are tall buildings where the citizens reside or work in. This is influenced by David's vision of the future, he tasked his team of scientists in the field led by Charles Darwin, Michael Faraday, Isembard Brunel, Gregor Mendel and Joseph Henry to focus on eco-friendly energy generation by genetically modifying the DNA of a tree.
The team used tree species with a large surface area for photosynthesis and adaptability, such as the banyan and acacia tree. Banyan has a vast canopy and aerial roots made it an ideal candidate for the experiment.
With David's permission, the scientists are granted with the authority to study and modify the techno-organic virus into a new variant. Darwin and his team of scientists designed the new virus to integrate seamlessly into the tree's cellular structure, converting and enhancing its natural photosynthetic process into one that aligned with the goal of harvesting and storing solar energy.
Mendel engineered the virus with precision to ensure the tree's natural biology was not entirely overwritten. Instead, it complemented the tree's innate ability to produce energy. Chloroplasts in the leaves were augmented with techno-organic nanites capable of capturing a broader spectrum of solar radiation. This energy was stored in modified root systems, which acted as bio-batteries, capable of distributing power through direct connections or wireless energy transfer nodes.
To prevent ecological disruption, the virus was programmed to self-limit, ensuring only designated trees were affected. The banyan's expansive root network enabled it to serve as an energy hub and residential area for the citizens of surrounding areas, powering the city while remaining a living part of the ecosystem. In a sense, the tree itself is the new city.
Once implemented, these "Tree-Cities" revolutionized energy production and infrastructure. Villages and towns without traditional energy infrastructure saw immediate benefits, with clean, renewable power accessible from central techno-organic trees. The visual of towering banyan trees glowing faintly with stored energy at night became a symbol of the Howlett territory's persistence in maintaining the balance of nature.
David and his father-in-law Mr. Greene worked closely with biologists and environmentalists to address concerns about ecological balance and biodiversity. The tree-cities are constructed using transformium's adaptive properties. Roads, once brick-paved paths, had been replaced by sleek, self-repairing highways embedded with energy-efficient lighting powered by transformium-based energy grids. These highways/roots connected key cities, facilitating rapid transport and trade.
Transformium-powered trains, known as 'Stratos Trams', hovered along magnetic tracks, traveling at speeds previously deemed impossible. In the skies, planes glided silently, powered by the tree-city's excess renewable energy. These new generation planes served both as cargo carriers and luxurious modes of transport for diplomats and merchants.
In the field of energy production. The development of 'Neutron Cells', which are compact and sustainable energy storage powered everything from homes to factories. The Howlett territory became entirely energy-independent.
Although rarely seen, vehicles ridden by public servants and the military which are partly crafted from transformium can also be seen in the cities, these vehicles adjusted their shapes and functions based on the user's needs. For instance, a car could transform into a sleek aircraft with a simple command. These vehicles had zero emissions and were equipped with advanced safety features, ensuring the territory's roads and skies were safer than ever.
The Howlett military was perhaps the greatest beneficiary of the year's development. The armies now employed 'augmented soldiers'. These soldiers are enhanced with the techno-organic virus and were equipped with advanced armor that could adapt to various combat scenarios, providing unparalleled protection and agility.
Massive metallic constructs, referred to as 'Knightmares', are stationed or patrolled the borders. These machines, built entirely from metal, were powered by neutron cells and are piloted by trained augmented soldiers, these giants are capable of both defending the territory and providing aid during disasters.
A large portion of the manual labor that was previously done was automated by factories. But instead of displacing people, these developments raised living standards by opening up new career paths in engineering, design, and maintenance. Education systems have changed as a result of the development of interactive learning resources like computers and technology, which made knowledge available to anybody who wanted it.
Significant progress was also made in urban agriculture, which was one of David's urgent concerns. Newly created equipment and irrigation systems for indoor farms increased yields and enhanced the quality of the final product. Every city in the Howlett territory saw a boom in food production, which ended hunger there and made the region a significant supplier to the neighboring territories.
***
Victor Creed stood before a gathering of his war council, the men Victor chose are much like himself who loved the thrill of the hunt. Their metallic enhancements glinted under the cold light of the conference hall. Each of them was a living witness to the brutality of war and the power of the Howlett family's advancements. Each of them bore enhanced strength, durability, and resilience that had turned them into an army of technological titans. Yet today's meeting was about more than just their past glories of war in the Northern American continent. It was about the expansion of Howlett's influence to a new land through carefully orchestrated plans that involved the entirety of the African continent, and a deep manipulation of human greed and ambition.
"What is the current progress of our project in Wakanda?"
Victor's voice carried a relaxed tone which resonated across the room as he addressed his chief strategist, William Dawson II. Dawson, a former leader in what was previously known as Alberta, tall and bulky with mechanical augmentations running down his right arm, stepped forward.
"The strategy of pitting the locals against themselves is working perfectly, sir," Dawson replied gesturing to a monitor behind him that showed statistics. His voice was steady, his tone almost clinical. "Our agents have successfully funneled the augmenting potions to various warlords within Wakanda's borders. These African warlords proved to be useful, by offering the augmentation potions at a 'discount' they are more than willing to tear each other apart in their bid for dominance. However, one issue persists... Wakanda's energy-based weapons and vibranium enhanced armor. Even the warlord's enhanced warriors struggle against them."
Victor leaned forward, his interest piqued. "And how does this affect us, Dawson?"
Dawson smirked. "It works to our advantage, sir. The more conflicts arise, the more bodies we can recover. Each casualty becomes a source of transformium which can be used for future operations. It would seem that Wakanda's obsession with its independence and isolation blinds them to what's really happening around them."
Victor nodded, pleased. The Wakandan chaos was a carefully crafted by himself, a plan woven through his understanding of manipulation and subtle interference. By supplying the so-called augmenting drugs, they had ignited a powder keg of local conflicts.
The augmenting potions which are marketed as a miraculous solution for human limitations by the Howlett agents were built on transformium's unique properties. These potions granted users extraordinary strength, speed, or durability, but with limitations. A single drug could enhance only one attribute, compelling users to purchase additional potions for further augmentations. This design was intentional, ensuring a perpetual cycle of dependency and demand. Moreover, the potions were encoded biologically, binding their effects to a single recipient, preventing resale or unauthorized use.
Using the augmenting drugs as rewards to the warlords of Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and even Central Africa was like offering honey to a bear. The greedy warlords gladly pillaged and plundered everything as they swept through the sub-Saharan East Africa in order to find the mystical land of Wakanda.
To the warlords of Wakanda, these potions were a godsend, offering an edge in their brutal power struggles. But to Victor, they were simply a means of control, a way to ensure loyalty and subservience of these warlords. In short, a leash to his hunting dogs. 'Not only are they supplying materials, they are also serving as canon fodders.' Victor could not help but smile while sipping his whiskey while thinking back to the times where he himself bathed in his enemy's blood.
'Ahhhh good times...'
"Tell me... Has there been a reply to our offer?"
***
Reports flooded in from the intelligence network embedded deep within Wakanda. Villages were razed as Wakandan warriors and the augmented-warriors of the Warlords fought.
"My king! We do not make deals with these barbarian warlords!" S'Yan's voice cut through T'Chiman's thoughts, sharp and filled with indignation. The elder's dark eyes, framed by the intricate bone piercings that marked his rank, glared at T'Chiman as he approached, his robes rustling in the air. "I advise you to reconsider!"
As the conflicts escalated, Wakanda's leadership found themselves overwhelmed. The warlord's warriors, empowered by the augmenting potions, began to breach previously impenetrable defenses. Villages fell, and the once-unified nation started to fragment under the strain.
T'Chiman turned slowly, his brow furrowed in a rare moment of uncertainty. He had always valued S'Yan's wisdom—after all, the elder had been a guiding force in the kingdom for decades. But now, the situation was dire, and the warlords' insurrection could not be ignored any longer. Wakanda's walls were strong, its vibranium mines rich, but the toll of continued conflict was becoming unsustainable.
"I've thought about it, S'Yan," T'Chiman said, his voice calm, though the decision tore at him. "The warlords are not just barbarians; they are a symptom of a greater problem. Our resources are stretched thin. If this war continues, Wakanda may not survive to see another generation."
S'Yan's piercing eyes narrowed. "Are you suggesting we give in to them? That we make peace with those who seek to destroy everything we've worked for?"
"No," T'Chiman said firmly, stepping forward. "But we must find a way to stop the bleeding before it's too late. We cannot afford to lose everything over pride and bloodshed."
"You know what these barbarians want. This has happened once before. They want our vibranium! I understand your reasoning, T'Chiman," S'Yan said at last, though his voice was tinged with reluctance. "But this is not the way of our ancestors. They did not build Wakanda to surrender to the will of lesser men. We stand as the beacon of strength. If we give ground to the warlords, what will that say about us?"
"I agree with you," T'Chiman replied, his voice steady. "But strength is not only about showing power; it's about knowing when to wield it. And right now, our strength lies in our survival. A truce may be the only way to preserve what we've built."
S'Yan let out a frustrated sigh, but before he could respond, one of the palace guards entered the room. "My king," the guard announced, "the emissary from the warlord alliance has arrived."
T'Chiman nodded, his face hardening. "Show him in."
Moments later, the emissary stepped into the room. He was tall, his body muscular, wearing a fine armor. His eyes were hard, though there was a glint of something almost calculating in them.
"You summoned me, your majesty," the emissary said, his voice low and smooth. "Tell the warlords that Wakanda has agreed to the armistice, we wish to discuss terms of peace."
"Very well. I will relay your words with haste." The emissary bowed again and left the room, leaving T'Chiman alone with S'Yan. The elder's expression had darkened even further.
"You cannot trust them, my king," S'Yan said, his voice low and urgent. "This truce is a trap. They only seek to weaken us further, to divide us from within. They will never honor their word."
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
erra_jinn
erra_jinn This is almost original hahahahaha I don't translate. Thankfully, there's no classes today due to the super typhoon. Very busy, the updates might stall.
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