Chương 8: Chapter 8: The Spider Silk Launcher
"Warren."
Carlos, a slightly gray-haired and chubby gentleman, lacked the dignity of a police chief and instead resembled the neighbor next door as he greeted them with exaggerated tones.
"The last time I saw you, you were only this tall, and now you've grown so much in the blink of an eye."
There was a hint of awkwardness since Warren didn't remember him at all, but it didn't matter.
"Uncle Carlos, long time no see."
Putting on a show, who wouldn't?
"Let me introduce you."
Carlos brought two other people along. "This is my old friend's son, the helm of the Worthington Group. You should establish a good relationship with him."
"Hello, I am Jefferson Davis."
"George Stacy."
One black and one white, the two police officers introduced themselves.
"These two police chiefs are my capable subordinates."
"If they are capable subordinates, then they should have the best equipment."
"Is your new equipment good enough?" Carlos asked.
"You'll know once you try it." Warren replied with a smile.
After the pleasantries, it was time to get to the point. This time, Carlos was intrigued by the spider silk launcher.
...
"This is our new product from Worthington Industries, the Spider Silk Launcher."
Warren took three spider silk launchers from the hands of the research department personnel and handed them to Carlos and the other two.
"It's discreet and lightweight, making it convenient to carry," remarked Jefferson, the black police chief.
The equipment in their hands was in the form of a wristwatch and even lighter than the watch on their wrists.
George, the white police chief, had impressive dexterity. He effortlessly extracted a small capsule the size of a bullet containing the spider silk solution.
"Is this the ammunition? Just this little amount?"
"Don't be fooled by its size. This tiny amount of solution is enough to bind seven adults into mummies with the launched spider silk."
"Wow!" exclaimed the three policemen in astonishment.
"Is it fast?" Jefferson asked.
"It's no slower than you throwing a dart, Chief. And this won't harm anyone; at most, it leaves some bruises... of course, if you want to use it to strangle someone, then forget what I just said," Warren joked playfully.
"What about electric webs... adhesive webs... How sticky is the spider silk?" George, the police chief, followed up with his question.
"Sticking an elephant might be a bit difficult, but sticking a person without any external assistance is impossible to break free from using brute force alone. Of course, we're excluding mutants and super soldiers like Captain America," Warren nodded, seemingly satisfied with his answer.
"Hmm," George Stacy nodded, apparently quite content.
"How powerful is the impact webbing?"
...
"How large is the diameter when the giant web is deployed?"
...
"How much force can the cushioning web withstand?"
...
One question after another came from the mouths of the two police chiefs, while Carlos stood by with a beaming smile.
It seemed that he was right about these two being his capable subordinates.
Luckily, Warren had his experience of marketing from his previous life. After reading the materials twice, he had memorized them, and now he could answer any question the customers had.
After answering all the questions, it was time to test the actual effectiveness.
Elastic spider silk that can be stretched.
A cushioning spider web that can form a trampoline between two buildings.
An electrified web.
An impact web that forms into a ball.
A quick-drying solution web that sticks to a person's face.
A giant web that can be instantly deployed as an interception net.
...
Jefferson and George thoroughly enjoyed the testing process, and finally, they looked at Warren with admiration.
"Mr. Worthington, this is a fantastic invention."
"But I have a small question: Why didn't you make it in the shape of a gun?" George asked.
Making it in the shape of a gun would allow for more spider silk solution, as the wristwatch-like launcher's container was only the size of a bullet.
Hmm...
Warren's eyes flickered as he found a reason.
"Because this way it's more flexible."
"Flexible?"
"Yes, I apologize for not considering it thoroughly. Personally, I find it more flexible this way, but I understand that as police officers, you may have different requirements... However, it's not a problem. This is our head of research and development. You can directly contact him if you have any requests." Warren glanced at the person's name tag.
Harry Clint.
"Director Clint, can we make the spider silk launcher in the form of a gun?"
"We can, both in the form of a handgun and a rifle. There are no technical difficulties. We can provide a sample within a day," Harry Clint assured confidently.
"In fact, this miniature version is not bad either, but we may need a larger spider silk launcher for handling certain special situations. It would be ideal if we can increase the diameter of the giant web and the cushioning web, for example, to directly trap fleeing vehicles," Jefferson suggested.
It seemed that both police chiefs were focused on practicality rather than just being cool.
A giant web that could trap fleeing vehicles? That was a brilliant idea.
"That's possible, no problem. Just give us some time to improve it," Director Clint quickly responded.
The two police chiefs finally had no more questions and turned their gaze to Carlos.
"Warren, shall we have a talk?"
"Of course, Uncle Carlos."
Okay, this deal was settled!
As long as they opened up the market, it would be the entire police market in the United States next, followed by international markets, and then orders from military and intelligence organizations.
The mere riot-control spider webs wouldn't be regarded as prohibited items, allowing Warren to make money worldwide.
With coordinated actions against the Stark Group, he believed they could earn a considerable amount.
"Oh, Hammer Industries." Warren suddenly remembered something.
With the support of Worthington Industries, they could invest in Hammer Industries after successfully targeting the Stark Group's stock market. They could easily take over the abandoned arms business of the Stark Group.
Arms were big money!
"Nivea, gather information on Hammer Industries for me."
...
Carlos didn't bring many orders to Warren, but as the Police Commissioner of New York, his leadership played a crucial role. That's why Warren gave him kickbacks.
Consider it as an advertising fee.
The New York Police Department ordered a batch of spider silk launchers, providing them for trial use by some police officers. In due time, they would see the results.
If things didn't work out, they could hire actors and stage a performance showcasing the "new equipment's righteousness, just and unmatched, ensnaring wrongdoers with the net of justice, with the democratic banner shining bright like a star." After all, the spider silk launcher wouldn't cause harm unless used intentionally. It was simple to apprehend criminals without sparing ammunition. With a few case examples and media coverage, standing on the moral high ground and waving the big flag, Worthington would receive a steady stream of orders.
...
Harry, full of enthusiasm, walked into the research department and addressed his subordinates, "Guys, it's time to demonstrate our worth."
"Director, do we have a new assignment?"
"Just don't let it be something
like the spider silk launcher, it's too well-made, and I don't want to be lectured again."
"Well, unfortunately, it is the spider silk launcher," said Harry with a smug smile.
"..."
A chorus of sighs filled the room.
"But this time, the assignment is slightly different. Our client wants the spider silk launcher to be made in other designs."
"That's easy. I'll have the proposal ready for you before the end of the afternoon," one employee said listlessly.
It was clear that there was no difficulty in achieving that.
"But it's not just that. Our client wants larger spider webs."
"Larger?"
"Yes, webs that can ensnare moving vehicles."
After a moment of silence, the engineers started discussing excitedly.
"In that case, we'll need faster launching speed."
"Greater expansion when the web is deployed."
"We can increase the internal pressure or modify the nozzle shape, or use both."
"Of course, this means the volume will increase. Will our client have any issues using a larger launcher?"
The energy came rushing back, and the research department was rejuvenated.
"They don't mind using a larger launcher."
"Perhaps we can incorporate it into a single soldier rocket launcher."
There's nothing that a rocket-propelled grenade launcher can't solve.
"Great idea, Johnny Lulu!" Harry gave a thumbs-up.
"What about going even bigger?" one engineer asked.
"Mike, tell us your thoughts."
A black engineer named Mike spoke up, "I was thinking of helicopters. If we want to capture moving vehicles, maybe we can make the launcher suitable for aviation use. Launching from high altitudes will also enhance accuracy."
"Launching giant webs from above? That's a good idea," Harry nodded approvingly.
"What about multiple launchers? If one shot misses, we can compensate with quantity," another engineer suggested.
"Robert, the janitors will hate you for that," Harry chuckled.
"That's not my concern," replied engineer Robert, shrugging.
"Well..." A new recruit spoke up timidly.
"Alex, now is the time to speak up. Tell us your thoughts," Harry encouraged.
Encouraged, the young recruit began to explain his idea, "Considering the versatility of the moldable spider silk solution and the excellent properties of the web material, doesn't that mean we can apply them in broader fields?"
"Such as?"
"Like parachutes."
Everyone was taken aback. What a great idea!
The size of a capsule of the solution would be more than enough.
"And life jackets, bulletproof vests, and even rapid hemostasis. Yes, rapid hemostasis!"
Wow, kid, you've got something there.
Life jackets and bulletproof vests were one thing, but rapid hemostasis was truly a stroke of genius. Have you been inspired by Spider-Man?
"And perhaps, through pre-set programs and a little bit of paint, we can make the web unfold into a painting once it's launched."
Alex confidently finished speaking, but then reverted to his shy self, scratching his head.
...
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