Long-term salvation

"In this case, language differences are only a minor issue, and don't forget that many countries have blood feuds with each other and are easily provoked."

Irons also spoke up, explaining that his company, Atlas, had employees all over the world, including executives from different countries, and that friction and conflict would often arise. In a military organization, such issues could shake the very foundations of the organization.

This problem was indeed quite realistic, and even Rhodes didn't have a good solution. Although he had a rough plan in mind, he still had to take it one step at a time, identify problems, and solve them.

After taking a sip of the wine, Rhodes said:

"First, establish a consensus, a sufficiently grand goal and proposition, so that the primary contradiction outweighs all minor ones. Human civilization is teetering on the brink of destruction. No one can stand aside at this moment, let alone waste precious energy on internal friction. This is absolutely true, and this is the advantage of this consensus."

"I will establish a direct subordinate force centered around 'them' to ensure I possess absolute violence and power. At this point, it's not impossible to resort to a cult of personality. After all, I don't believe the Army Without Borders can last forever... I can ensure that this force won't degenerate or split for thirty, or even fifty years, allowing human civilization to safely weather this crisis."

"Then, ordinary troops carrying out low-intensity missions will be stationed according to mission areas. NATO troops will carry out missions within NATO's control, and Warsaw Pact troops will carry out missions within Warsaw Pact areas. In regions like South America, we will establish units composed primarily of soldiers of local origin, allowing them to work together and unite. We will then conduct regular drills and cooperation, allowing time to wash away those bloody traces."

"Finally, I plan to establish an absolutely elite force. I will personally review and instruct them to ensure that the Army Without Borders does not lose its combat effectiveness against the other world due to this kind of problem—"

Rhode smiled a little more, leaned back in his chair, and said with a smile:

"They will use the best equipment, undergo the most brutal training, and carry out the most intense otherworldly missions. Even the members themselves can be 'supernatural'. I call such forces 'Mobile Task Forces'."

Chapter 77: In Detroit (3K, 1/2)

The already delayed plane slowly landed at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and taxied down the runway.

This is Michigan's largest and busiest airport, yet nearby Detroit has been steadily declining, even filing for bankruptcy in 2013. By 2020, its population was down to just over 60.

But now, Rhode could still glimpse the bustling streets of this industrial capital. Unfortunately, Abigail was unable to accompany him because she had not rested well. The girl was still sleeping in the hotel, and the black cat Pickman was watching over his owner.

"Acquiring a large enterprise isn't that simple, Commander," Nikki whispered beside Rhode. She put her arm around him, her simple coat framing her graceful figure, outlined by her fitted cheongsam. "It involves lengthy negotiations, constant capital investment, and possible government intervention. Not to mention, you're acquiring a well-established corporation on your own, and the existing management won't let you down."

"This company is very special. They don't have many options right now," Rhodes sighed. "Also, can you stay a little further away from me? Mary's expression is scary."

Although still wearing a nun's uniform, the petite and lovely girl had put on a cloak embellished with a golden fleur-de-lis pattern. The golden cross on her chest swayed slightly with her movements. As this extremely holy girl walked, it seemed as if the filth beneath her feet was also removed. Along the way, Rhode had seen at least four people take off their hats to greet Mary, or make the sign of the cross while mumbling something under their breath.

"If you don't take what heaven gives you, you will suffer the consequences," Nikki responded with a smile.

"Love is as strong as death, and jealousy is as cruel as Hades," the nun prayed softly, her words filled with determination. "The lightnings they send are lightnings of fire, the flame of the Lord."

The atmosphere suddenly became sinister. Rhode took a deep breath, thankful that the other girls were doing their work and would not gather in Arkham for a few days. However, Noah had already returned home early to prepare for long-term settlement.

Although they were well fed and warm now, it was far from the time for them to think about lust… Rhode sighed and continued walking along the road with the two girls.

This neighborhood is on the edge of the city, right on the dividing line between the metropolitan area and the suburbs. Because of this, most of the people living and wandering here are economically disadvantaged working-class families and poor citizens.

The sidewalks were poorly maintained, full of potholes. The trash cans on the street corners were overflowing, and the cleaning company only came to collect the trash once every week or two, leaving a lot of garbage piled up in a mess. Many garbage bags were broken, and the garbage inside was flipped onto the street by the strong wind or homeless people, and then trampled into the dirty snow by countless big feet.

There were only a few pedestrians, the exhaustion and confusion brought on by the pressure of life deeply etched into their skin. Only the housewives taking their children out had a hint of smile on their faces. The children were ignorant and would only realize how bad their lives were in a few years.

Having said that, there are all the buildings that should be in the block, including mailboxes, newsstands and the like. The roads between the buildings on both sides also show obvious signs of repairs, and there are even snowplows coming to push away the snow blocking the road.

The city is slowly dying, but it is still struggling before it completely collapses.

"The funds have been prepared by Youxiang," Yang said to Rhode, turning her head. Long before Rhode left the hotel, she had already gone to the bank in the city to make various preparations. "But after this trip, before the next batch of shipwreck treasures is auctioned off, our liquidity will be low. You need to save some... Otherwise, based on your description of Miss Youxiang, she will definitely be furious."

"I didn't spend money recklessly," Rhodes shrugged.

After completing his trip to Detroit, Rhode would first rest in Arkham Town for a while before setting off for Japan to take Asuka Iki back. Her abilities were gradually increasing, and if she continued like this, she would surely be noticed by forces with ill intentions.

Speaking of which, there seems to be a Japanese member on the board of directors? That's a bit unusual.

The longer one stayed in this neighborhood, the more desolate one felt. Rhode's gaze swept over the old buildings. Perhaps because the weather was nice today, some washed-out work clothes were hanging on the clothesline outside the window. The sleeves of the clothes were tied to the clothesline, held in place by a few crude metal clips. It was obvious that the owner of these clothes had experienced going downstairs to collect clothes in the cold winter.

"People here don't have a good life, but it shouldn't be like this," Mary whispered. She tugged at the corner of Rhodes' clothes with a look of holy compassion on her face. "It's not their fault."

"Maybe what we're doing now can make a difference. Everything starts little by little," Rhodes consoled him. "There are many reasons why Detroit is in decline... but I do think it's a shame to see such an industrial city continue to decline."

"Investing in a declining city is really not a good idea," Yang's eyes swept over the buildings on both sides of the block. Although it was dilapidated, it still had all the necessary shops and municipal buildings, and no one was committing murder in broad daylight.

"If you want to take the whole city into your pocket, that's another matter, but at least Detroit has good transportation and shipping."

"Take your time. We're not in a hurry." Rhode couldn't help but laugh. "Turning this place into Night City? That's too weird. A Night City closer to the sea is better."

As he was speaking, two figures rushed out of the alley, one in front and one behind. The former looked panicked and waved a pistol in his hand, while the latter was wearing a Detroit police uniform with a bulletproof vest on the outside. The vest was covered with scratches and stains, but the name on the left chest was impressive enough.

Noticing three ordinary citizens standing in front of him, the Detroit police officer cursed inwardly and quickened his pace, ready to pounce on the drug dealer. However, he obviously didn't need to do such a dangerous move - the tall woman among the three citizens clenched her fist and punched the drug dealer in the abdomen, causing the latter to faint on the spot and fall headfirst into the dirty snow.

"Whoa, okay..." The officer took a few breaths, took out handcuffs and handcuffed the drug dealer's hands, saying breathlessly, "You're under arrest, scumbag!"

"Very heroic act, Officer Alex Murphy," Rhodes said with a smile.

"You know my name?" Officer Murphy looked up and noticed that the handsome young man with the bright blue eyes in front of him was looking down. After realizing this, he let out a long sigh and said helplessly, "Oh yes, my name is on the bulletproof vest."

After several unsuccessful attempts to lift the unconscious drug dealer, Officer Murphy stood up and gave Rhodes an awkward smile, but the smile quickly turned serious.

"Don't do such a dangerous thing next time. Besides..." Murphy looked Rhodes and the others up and down. "Are you tourists? But this nun doesn't look like one either. Forget it, you better be careful here and don't go out at night."

"Thank you for your advice, Officer."

Rod readily agreed. As Officer Murphy said, Detroit's crime rate peaked in 1991, and wandering outside the city center was not a good option, especially at night. But he had no choice. After all, his destination was in this neighborhood.

After bidding farewell to Officer Murphy, Rhodes and his companions continued walking along the street for another half an hour. After wandering around Detroit for nearly two hours, they finally arrived at their destination.

Aperture Science's office building in Detroit.

Calling it a building is a bit of an exaggeration. What stood before Rhodes was just an ordinary office building. Aperture Technologies, which had been in financial crisis and on the verge of bankruptcy in the 90s, obviously did not have the money to rent or maintain a magnificent building in the city center, not to mention that their headquarters should have been moved to an abandoned salt mine in Michigan.

This should just be an office building for external work, but Rhodes is very sure that in a few years, Aperture Technology might not even be able to pay the rent for this building... Looking at the company logo that was missing most of it, Rhodes sighed and walked into it with the two girls.

"Hello, Aperture Technology, how can I help you?"

The front desk clerk in plain clothes smiled and said, and when she noticed Rhode's eyes were scanning around, she immediately said:

"This is just an office building. There's no money here. I've been delayed for a month's salary myself. If you want to rob or make some extra money, you can turn right and drive along the road. The Atlas office is over there. They definitely have money."

Why does it feel like this girl has a deep grudge against Atlas? Aperture Technology's lack of funds isn't caused by competitors like Atlas...

Rhodes sighed, patted the table with his hand, and said seriously:

"I remember I should have made an appointment with your secretary Caroline."

"Are you the one who wants to take over the company?!"

"...The first thing I'll do after acquiring your company is fire you."

Rhodes' words obviously couldn't threaten a front desk clerk who was owed wages and just wanted to eat and wait for death, but at least she made the call seriously.

After hanging up the phone, the front desk clerk gave Rhodes a flattering smile, pointed to the elevator on the other side of the hall, and said:

"The company doesn't have enough money to hire security guards and waiters. You have to go up on your own. The CEO and Secretary Caroline are waiting for you on the top floor."

Rhodes: “…”

Suddenly I felt a little regretful.

Chapter 78: Aperture Technology Shocks People! (3K, 2/2)

Taking the old elevator upstairs, Rhodes and his companions saw more Aperture Technology employees. They were shocked that there were guests here. Other employees scattered throughout the office building also came here after hearing the news, just like watching giant pandas in a zoo.

The stares and whispers continued until Rhodes and his companions walked into the office. Calvin Johnson, the founder and CEO of Aperture Technologies, had an office here, but the decoration inside was particularly shabby compared to Atlas Corporation or other well-known large companies.

The minimalist home style, the old sofas, bookshelves and desks, as well as the cheap handicrafts that were bought from somewhere, all show that this once-glorious enterprise is now struggling... Aperture Technology's current situation is largely due to the company's founder.

Of course, these are not important.

What's important is that after Rhode and his companions entered the office, Aperture Technology's CEO, Carvin Johnson, suddenly opened his eyes wide, tilted his head slightly, and said to Caroline, the secretary standing beside him:

"Did you see the halo around that little nun's head?"

This sentence made Rhodes raise his eyebrows slightly. He didn't expect that this Calvin Johnson could also see the halo above Mary's head. This meant that he was at least a strong psychic who was strong enough to enter the foundation's board of directors.

"I... I can't see, sir." Caroline could see a little bit, but the faint light disappeared immediately, making her think it was just her illusion. "I don't understand what you are talking about."

"Okay, then, take this idea and develop a portable halo headlamp that looks like an angel's halo, so that miners can have all-round lighting even when they are underground!"

Caroline nodded, pulled out a small notebook, and began writing and drawing in pencil. However, the secretary immediately noticed a new problem:

“What if religious figures protest?”

“Then we can sell to people in the Middle East and Africa.”

"Good idea, sir."

Rhodes: “…”

He felt helpless every minute since he stepped into Aperture Technologies. A strange and crazy atmosphere was lingering in the entire company, giving people a strange feeling as if a normal person stepped into a mental hospital and was immediately tied up in a straitjacket to watch the mentally ill people singing and dancing.

It was fine here. Rhode couldn't imagine what the scene would be like at Aperture Technology's headquarters.

The researchers who are still willing to follow Kevin Johnson until now are somewhat crazy.

Aperture Technology's uniqueness can be seen from their research and development products, such as the rejection gel developed in 1952. This thing is labeled as "food", which means that you should eat the gel first and then other foods. Then, through its excellent elasticity, it will eject the food in the stomach, thereby achieving the purpose of weight loss.

Or the propulsion pudding (also a food), developed in 1971, which increases the speed of objects passing through its surface. The idea was that after eating the pudding, it would speed up the process of food passing through the intestines, allowing the consumer to continue eating more food while reducing calorie intake. However, it was quickly withdrawn from the shelves for causing people to poop out what they ate.

Even the seemingly very high-tech, very futuristic handheld portable teleportation device is designed to get people to the bathroom faster, and there are other high-tech products with more bizarre uses... The saying "garbage is just treasure in the wrong place" is absolutely true when describing Aperture Technology.

Because of the excessive focus on these novel products, Aperture Technology's own shower curtain production line was gradually abandoned, and the company gradually fell into a dilemma of insufficient funds (yes, Aperture Technology's founder, Calvin Johnson, became a billionaire by making shower curtains!).

"Let's get down to business," Rhodes said, carefully sizing up the old man. He was thin, but his eyes were filled with madness. It was obvious that his brain had not been deeply damaged by the mercury poisoning. "But before that, I need to confirm one thing - how is your condition caused by mercury poisoning now?"

Carvin Johnson once tried to mail highly toxic shower curtains to members of the House Navy Appropriations Committee, but ended up being poisoned by mercury in retaliation for their rejection of Aperture Technologies' shower curtain contract in the 50s... Carvin is eccentric but driven, extroverted, enthusiastic, and stubborn, and he has his own unique understanding of morality and the consequences of his actions.

In other words, he has all the hallmarks of a mad scientist from sci-fi movies of the 8s and 90s.

Because of this, Rhodes needed to confirm the founder's current physical and mental health. After all, he was likely already terminally ill and would soon die. The power of the company would be transferred to his secretary, Ms. Caroline, whose consciousness would soon be uploaded into GLaDOS.

"You'll have no problem living another twenty years, young man," Carvin Johnson looked very happy. He stood up and walked over to Rhodes to shake his hand. "I'm planning to use some moon powder to advance my research. Your investment comes at the perfect time!"

"Investment?" Rhodes frowned, but wasn't surprised by the situation. It was indeed something this paranoid genius could do. "I remember I clearly said 'I want to acquire your company' during the appointment call."

"I'm obviously not selling my company, young man."

The smile on Kevin Johnson's face faded. He returned to his desk and took the medicine and water from his secretary. After swallowing them, the genius scientist, who had a bit of a mental issue, leaned back in his chair and looked at the person in front of him with a hint of arrogance:

"Who sent you here? Irons? Oswell E. Spencer? Or some other thief company that stole my technology and made a fortune? But don't tell me you're just some rich kid who got inspired by something—"

Rhodes didn't waste any time talking to him and directly threw a pile of ammunition from the storage space onto Kevin's desk.

The ammunition piled up like a mountain, crushing the documents, decorations, pens, and other common items on the desk. The killing machines, reeking of gun oil, lay before Carvin Johnson. He stood up abruptly, his fingers trembling as he ran them over each firearm in front of him.

“Real, they really exist!”

"Not an illusion, not a magic trick, they just appeared in front of me, in the blink of an eye? No! In a picosecond? Teleport? Damn it, Caroline, did you see that?"

"Very well, sir."

The secretary took a deep breath and turned her head to see that Rhodes had the same expression on his face as before. There was no mockery or arrogance, just a calm look at them... This young man was determined to win, and he had successfully piqued the interest of the company's CEO.

Suddenly, Caroline felt that this was not a bad thing.

Caroline carefully touched the guns. They felt cold, with a metallic texture that matched their appearance. They could be disassembled and the bullets ejected smoothly. While Rhodes, who was being harassed by her boss, wasn't paying attention, she quietly hid a pistol bullet in her sleeve.

Yang noticed this little action, but she just walked over to Rhodes and fanned him with a fan.

Blown by the sudden breeze, Rhodes immediately noticed the subtle expression of his secretary Caroline in front of him, but he did not speak out. Instead, he still put on the helpless expression of being entangled, as if he was unaware of it.

"Wait, there's that halo! It's not just my imagination, is it?"

Kevin realized something. He walked around the table piled with munitions and looked carefully at the halo above Mary's head, causing the girl to frown and take a step back.

"You should be more polite, Mr. Johnson."

Rhodes grabbed the old man's collar and pulled him back. The latter suddenly realized that the young man's strength was far beyond that of an ordinary person.

Everything seemed a little out of place: the nun with the halo, the young man who could instantly display a pile of munitions, and then the tall girl next to him... What was she? A combat weapon with only a human brain?

Sitting back in his office chair, Kevin Johnson's expression shifted between good and bad as he watched Rhode stuff the guns and ammunition one by one in front of him. His mind wasn't completely wrecked yet. Although he was paranoid, it didn't mean his thinking ability was impaired. After quickly reviewing the possible future developments, Kevin asked:

"What are you? No... That question is not important. Why do you need Aperture Technology? Just like what you just demonstrated—displaying those weapons, using a method I don't even understand, just by doing that, you can become a guest of honor in the White House and become the world's youngest billionaire."

"I need your creativity," Rhode said, a smile finally forming on his lips. "It's such a waste to let a group of talented researchers die in a small cave due to lack of funds... $1 million. I want to acquire your company and invest in more research projects. Subsequent funding will only increase. Your goal is to become a top scientific research company capable of competing with Atlas."

"At the same time, I can promise not to interfere too much with your research direction and company operations. In fact, I even hope to let Secretary Caroline take over my (CEO) duties. Of course, I will establish a supervisory committee to ensure that my money is used properly."

$1 million, with subsequent investment? No interference with project research and company operations? A competitor to Atlas?

Hearing Rhode's words, all the expressions on Kevin's face quickly disappeared. He cleared his throat and said sincerely:

"You understand scientific research. When do we start signing the contract?"