More than two weeks later.
Same suburban training ground, same people.
Looking at Evra's stern face, Luke felt a sense of familiarity for a moment. Especially after learning about the big order that might be completed today, looking at Evra's face made him feel even more familiar.
"I heard you've created something new?" General Evra stepped forward and shook Luke's hand. His stern face softened slightly, like a gentle spring breeze. Although Luke looked younger, and his family didn't have many connections in the military, his intelligence, ability to provide the military products he desperately needed, and the understanding to show respect after receiving the order were enough.
"That's it," Luke pointed at the sci-fi-style heavy helicopter behind him. It was 31 meters long, 9 meters high, and silver-white.
"It looks ordinary, but you said it has a strong carrying capacity?" General Evra glanced at the heavy transport helicopter behind Luke.
"When fully loaded, it can still lift 120 tons." Luke said the surprising words casually.
At least Evra's previously dismissive expression suddenly changed when he heard his words. He couldn't help but glance at the heavy helicopter again. He pointed and asked in surprise, "120 tons?"
"You can have someone inspect it yourself." Luke stepped aside. The eager personnel behind Evra immediately rushed forward. Following the Hebron staff's explanations and instructions, they began to familiarize themselves with the heavy transport aircraft and temporarily took over its management. Others were frantically making phone calls, urging people to prepare sufficient equipment.
"How did you do it?" Evra looked at Luke's young and immature face in amazement, his eyes burning.
"We've improved the powertrain. Additionally, Heberon Industries has developed several new alloy materials that are lighter, tougher, more robust, and more ductile." Ina Sandra answered, her face brimming with pride. "Frankly, if we release these materials, they'll become the preferred choice for many high-tech military enterprises."
"The only drawback is that they are very expensive." Ina Sandra concluded with a hint of regret.
General Evra paused in thought, somewhat understanding Ina Sandra's words. Before the first transaction, he had gathered information about Heberon Industries and Luke and the others. While Luke's parents held little influence in the military, they had connections with many wealthy individuals and members of Congress, giving them a wide network of contacts.
Ina Sandra's own parents were a combination of a councilman and a wealthy businessman, each with their own family business, and a close relationship. According to information gathered, this woman had been a key figure in the initial development of Heberon Industries, contributing significant effort and considerable capital. Her excellent management skills had been fully demonstrated over the years, proving she was more than just a figurehead.
The reason I thought about this was that when there were things Luke found difficult to say, this woman had the confidence, strength, and status to represent Luke.
"If it's truly good, then it's certainly worth promoting. I'll use my connections to help you." General Evra nodded. This wasn't a difficult task for him. Moreover, if the new materials were truly as Ina described, then even without his help, they would undoubtedly be sought after once released.
After all, this circle is not big, but it is also very small if you say it is small.
Luke watched the helicopter he'd named the Hebron 01 take off and fly toward the test site, his heart calm. The heavy transport aircraft used in the Pacific Rim had a lift capacity of at least 300 tons, so what he had produced was certainly not the ultimate version. As a qualified company manager, Ina, upon learning of Luke's technology, took a heavy slash and produced a castrated version.
In her words, if the castrated version can already crush the competition, why launch the ultimate bomb right away? Company development is tough. You and I need to expand our workforce and build this and that. So, to avoid financial hardship in the future, we need to maximize profits on every product we make!
As she spoke these words, Ina Sandra's face lit up. The aura she exuded and the way she fixed him on him sent a chill down Luke's spine. Furthermore, he felt Ina's words were right, so he readily followed her lead and created several reworked versions, even changing the power source. For at least three generations, Luke wouldn't have to worry about this anymore.
Isn't it just squeezing toothpaste?
Isn't it just the accumulation of technology?
Isn't it just so that when your competitor's product performance finally catches up, you can easily upgrade it and let your competitor curse you for being a beast?
If it involves some situations that require his upgrade and must be promoted, then Luke will naturally insist on making the final decision, but heavy transport aircraft technology is not something that deserves attention, and it is not related to his upgrade, so she can do whatever she wants.
"I heard there's a problem with your security team?" General Evra looked at Luke with a smile on his face. "Do you need me to help you find some people? They're all good young men about to retire. They'd be a waste of their talents as bodyguards."
"Thank you." Luke naturally wouldn't refuse. Although he didn't have the emotional intelligence and insight into people's hearts that Ina Sandra had developed, he also understood that Evra's words at this time were not to mock him, but to show goodwill to him and to make the relationship between the two closer.
"Are there any soldiers with good abilities who have to retire due to injuries?" Luke made his request in Evra's astonished eyes.
"Of course, there are a lot of such soldiers every year. Many of them are great guys when they are healthy." Evra was a little puzzled.
"Heibolun recently developed a new technology that allows people to control their mechanical limbs as if they were flesh and blood arms. However, there are no testers yet. What I can guarantee is that the technology is very mature and there are no major risks. If there are some soldiers who want to return to normal and find a job at the same time, you can explain it to them and introduce them to me." Luke said implicitly.
In any case, he still needs a certain amount of security force. His parents, Ina, company executives, etc. all need a certain amount of manpower to protect their personal safety.
As for trust, and how to prevent a repeat of Wallace's betrayal, Luke could come up with a backup plan by adding mechanical limbs to the disabled soldiers, along with a synaesthesia recognition system. While this wouldn't guarantee the absence of those with ulterior motives, the mechanical limbs and technological equipment would serve as a decisive trump card when the real deal came to a head.