章 79: Chapter 79: A Flash of Inspiration
**
The building wasn't completed yet, and Osborn Industries couldn't relocate at the moment. With no laboratory or automated factory of his own, Link found himself with nothing to do for the time being.
While he was at ease, Norman Osborn, on the other hand, became quite busy. After taking just a single day off, he immediately began overseeing the testing of the special drug and actively communicating with the regulatory bodies.
The scale of the biological experiments was substantial. Given that Link's genetic injection cured Norman's illness, Osborn had full faith in him. He swiftly expanded the testing, using quantity to save time. Once the required number of tests was met, the meticulously compiled data was submitted.
Furthermore, Osborn released the test data and results to the media, demonstrating great success. Some media outlets initially suspected that Osborn Industries was falsifying data, but after Norman successfully filed a patent for the drug and invited third-party organizations to conduct their own tests, providing samples for evaluation, those doubts quickly dissipated.
With the willingness to allow third-party evaluations, the media had little more to say. Osborn Industries' open invitation for external verification only boosted their credibility.
Thanks to Norman Osborn's lobbying efforts, the regulatory approval process moved swiftly. Lobbying, a common practice in the West, involved providing indirect benefits to regulatory officials in return for smoother approvals. This led to the rapid greenlighting of human trials.
These human trials were conducted at a hospital in Hell's Kitchen, where many impoverished people, unable to afford proper medical care, welcomed the offer of free treatment. The Jessica Charity Foundation's legal firm provided pro bono legal support to ensure the patients' rights during the trials.
In addition, Norman Osborn invited several media outlets to document the process. The trials were to be filmed and turned into a series of reports, featuring over ten different special drugs being tested on human subjects—a rare and significant event.
The diseases targeted were those that had long stumped medical professionals. Now, with the special drugs, different treatment plans could cure varying degrees of these conditions. This was a blessing for many patients, and the coverage proved to be a hit.
Patients, their families, and individuals concerned about healthcare or personal illness became the program's loyal audience. Although the episodes were short, they instilled confidence in viewers as they witnessed patients gradually recover over time.
Each of the ten special drugs required a considerable number of patients, and with three phases of trials necessary, even more participants were needed. Fortunately, the number of willing patients was high. They were all poor, and after thorough background checks and identity verifications, they signed contracts drawn up by Matthew Murdock, ensuring their legal rights. The first phase participants signed their contracts in front of the media.
Luckily, the hospital had expanded recently; otherwise, it wouldn't have been able to accommodate so many people. Patients with similar conditions were grouped together, and each required thorough examination to rule out other complications. Detailed medical records were kept for each individual, ensuring comprehensive treatment plans were devised.
The meticulous preparation gave viewers a sense of reassurance. With such tight controls and media oversight, it was clear that Osborn Industries had full confidence in their human trials. With everything in place, the first phase of the trials commenced.
Link followed the progress daily, watching updates on the trials with Jessica.
"Darling, your drug is incredibly effective," Jessica remarked. "In the first group, even patients with mild symptoms are showing significant improvement."
"After the first treatment course, they have a good chance of fully recovering."
Jessica, who managed the foundation, had a detailed understanding of the treatment process. She enjoyed digging into the details.
Link smiled, fully aware of the efficacy of his drug. "After the first batch is cured, have them stay in the hospital for observation for at least three weeks."
"That's stipulated in the contract. Have Matthew remind them not to assume they're fully cured and leave immediately. It's crucial for Osborn Industries."
"These patients are poor and not well-educated. Once they feel better, they might rush off to work—or worse, fall into crime. If something goes wrong, who'll be held responsible?"
Jessica paused for a moment before nodding in understanding. These people had no health insurance, and their conditions were difficult to treat without medication. Once cured, they might disappear, off to deal with life's struggles—legal or not.
"I get it. I'll remind them. Won't you go see for yourself?" Jessica asked. "You are the head of the foundation, after all."
"No, it's better if I don't make frequent public appearances. I need to maintain a bit of mystery for now," Link replied. "After all, I am a SHIELD agent. While I don't have many missions right now, too much exposure wouldn't be wise."
"There's no coverage of me in the media yet, so I'm still somewhat under the radar."
In the future, when he inevitably joined the Avengers, his public exposure would increase significantly. But by then, Osborn Industries' new headquarters would be completed, and he could simply live and work there.
The idea pleased him. A high-rise penthouse where he could work and relax, basking in the sun, while having all the tools he needed to develop whatever he wished. He could even create his own gear—especially his nanotech suit—right in the automated factory.
However, Link wasn't idle. He had been thinking about ways to improve his hoverboard design, coming up with numerous ideas, none of which quite satisfied him.
Noticing him drift off into thought, Jessica leaned in and gave him a playful kiss on the cheek.
"Darling, what's on your mind?" she asked.
"Oh, just thinking about the design for my hoverboard," Link responded. "None of the ideas I have seem to work. If it gets too big, it won't fit my needs. After all, I'm not meant to be the heavy hitter."
Jessica wasn't sure what he meant by "heavy hitter," but she ventured, "If there really are aliens out there, how do you think they design their ships?"
That gave Link a sudden spark of inspiration, and he grinned. "Darling, you're brilliant! How did I not think of that?"
"Huh?" Jessica looked confused, but before she could ask more, Link grabbed his laptop and darted off to his study.
She rolled her eyes, realizing her boyfriend had entered "mad scientist mode" again.
Link, in fact, had just thought of alien spacecraft, specifically the Ravagers' fighters, which had a shape strikingly similar to a hoverboard. Their unique wing configuration made them incredibly agile.
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(End of Chapter)
章 80: Chapter 80: Corporate Growth
****
Link was still uncertain about the exact name of the Ravagers' fighter jet, but he knew its design well. The main wings extended outward on both sides, each splitting into three smaller wings. Beneath the primary wings were two jet exhausts, with additional propulsion units in the rear and on the smaller wings. This abundance of propulsion made the jet incredibly agile.
Link realized that he could adopt a similar design for the flying hoverboard he was developing. However, since there wouldn't be a physical control stick, the board would require an AI system for flight assistance. This concept also served as a good reference for future spaceship designs. The fighter's overall shape was reminiscent of a swallow, making it reasonable for Link to model his hoverboard after the bird's aerodynamic form.
Without delay, Link dove headfirst into development!
Meanwhile, Jessica spent the next day reminding Norman Osborn and Wilson Fisk about the importance of monitoring patients post-treatment. They couldn't allow patients to leave immediately after being cured; a mandatory observation period was crucial. Regular check-ups were also necessary, though that would likely prove more challenging, as these individuals might not return unless they fell ill again.
Both Norman and Fisk took the matter seriously, and Matt Murdock, while sympathetic to the poor, knew the legal ramifications of breach of contract. If any patients attempted to flee, they'd be violating the agreement.
While Norman Osborn wasn't too concerned, Fisk certainly was. If anyone crossed him, they might simply "disappear." Fisk was not someone to be trifled with—he would not hesitate to eliminate those who angered him.
To mitigate this, Matt frequently visited the hospital, using patient care as a pretext to repeatedly remind everyone of their legal obligations.
The first treatment cycle concluded successfully. After the observation period, the cured patients were gradually discharged. Viewers who had been following the televised program were brimming with hope, and public demand for the miracle drugs surged. With growing enthusiasm, Osborn Corp's stock prices began to skyrocket.
Investors clamored for shares, but they weren't yet available. Both Link and Norman Osborn had previously acquired substantial holdings, but they couldn't hold onto them indefinitely. Stock liquidity was a requirement, and although Osborn Corp had been on the brink of bankruptcy, they decided to hold out a bit longer. The timing had to be right.
Link opted to release ten million shares into the market, but rather than flooding the market all at once, he planned a gradual release to push up the price. Dumping them all at once would result in losses; slow, controlled releases would ensure steady gains as the stock's value climbed.
...
The second phase of trials commenced with the same meticulous procedures. As the second wave of patients entered treatment, the first group returned for periodic follow-ups.
By the time the third phase was completed, the year had drawn to a close. Link had finally perfected the hoverboard's design. Snow began to blanket New York City, and Osborn Corp's stock prices surpassed the $100 billion mark. Production of the miracle drugs had started, and orders were pouring in. Rather than focusing on the U.S. market, Osborn Corp prioritized exports, particularly targeting the vast markets of the East.
They offered low prices, and even with tariffs, the cost remained affordable. Link also worked tirelessly to incorporate the drugs into various healthcare systems, further reducing prices. His strategy was simple: lower profit margins in exchange for massive sales volume.
Meanwhile, the new headquarters for Osborn Corp was complete, and both Link and Norman agreed it was time to relocate.
The old Osborn building was put up for sale, and the proceeds were earmarked for repaying Link's financial investments.
The top floor of the new tower was unlike Tony Stark's open-concept design. While the outdoor space resembled a heliport, the interior was divided into functional areas. The open-plan living room, kitchen, and dining area seamlessly flowed into one another, but there were also private study rooms, bedrooms, guest rooms, bathrooms, and a luxurious shower room.
One floor below was a fully sealed automated factory, accessible only by a staircase from the top floor. No elevator provided direct access, ensuring security. This factory was key to producing Link's hoverboards and combat suits. He had already designed the hoverboards, even managing to acquire a cold fusion reactor from Tony Stark, utilizing the new element Stark had developed.
Moreover, Link had completed his research into nanotechnology. With it, he wondered why he would ever need a tight combat suit. He wasn't a hand-to-hand fighter—his strength lay in ranged weapons, such as firearms and throwing knives. He realized there was no need to adhere to the classic superhero aesthetic.
While new ideas brewed, Link's immediate focus was on overseeing the corporation's move. The upper floors of the building were dedicated to research labs, which fell under his jurisdiction. Link began reviewing all current projects, quickly identifying those with potential and assembling research teams to handle them. Projects that seemed hopeless or fundamentally flawed were swiftly canceled, and their resources reallocated.
These decisions were made in secret, with Norman Osborn acting as a public intermediary. Link preferred to remain out of the spotlight for now. He didn't want his role exposed prematurely, as such revelations could raise too many questions. Additionally, with Osborn Corp now under the media's intense scrutiny due to the success of its miracle drugs, it was better for Link to stay in the background.
As the company's profits surged, its stock price soared to $200 billion, marking Osborn Corp as a significant player in the pharmaceutical industry. Though not the largest, its valuation was impressive.
At this point, Link reached out to Pepper Potts to negotiate the merger of Stark Industries' weapons division with Osborn Corp, with Stark Industries gaining a stake in Osborn Corp in exchange.
The deal included Stark Industries' factories and R&D labs but excluded past weapon designs. The rights to produce those weapons remained with the U.S. military. Stark Industries took a 20% stake in Osborn Corp, valued at $40 billion, reducing Link's stake to 52%. Norman Osborn held 20%, while 8% of the shares remained in circulation on the stock market.
This structure would stand for the foreseeable future, though any new shareholder negotiations would require careful consideration. Link had no intention of further diluting his control.
The weapons development department had shrunk after Tony Stark shut it down, leading to an exodus of research personnel. However, the labs and equipment remained intact, as did the production lines. Norman Osborn had already lobbied the military to secure contracts, ensuring that these top-tier facilities and workers remained active.
With these matters settled, Link could finally focus on the final refinements to his designs.
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