Chapter 31 - 31: Starlink Rocket Launch

"I am currently standing on top of Mason Industries Tower, where Mason Industries is set to launch its first batch of Starlink satellites." "This is a live broadcast from The Washington Post!" "Reporting live from The New York Daily, we are now witnessing…" "I'm from…" — Early the next morning, guided by Mason Industries staff, a large number of reporters had gathered on the rooftop of Mason Industries Tower. The frenzy of reporting had already begun. What they saw before them were rows of futuristic-looking miniature launch pads, each standing tall with sleek Starlink rockets. These Starlink rockets were approximately two meters in height and one meter in diameter—a stark contrast to the towering rockets other nations used, which often reached dozens of meters high. Yet, their compact size only fueled more curiosity and disbelief. — "Holy crap, are these supposed to be rockets?" "They're so tiny! Are you kidding me?" "This can't be real!" "You guys have no idea how hard it is to miniaturize rocket technology!" "Mason Industries… You guys are absolutely insane!" "Oh my God, I want to marry Mr. Mason!" "How the hell do they have so many rockets?" — Millions of people watching the live streams were losing their minds over the incredible sight. At the same time, the sound of helicopters rumbled overhead. Across from Mason Industries Tower, on the rooftop of the adjacent Twin Tower, several helicopters landed under the guidance of staff. As the doors opened, several high-ranking officials stepped out. Among them were NASA Director Clayson and several high-ranking military personnel. General Powell, observing the bustling scene across the way, turned to Clayson with a smirk. "Director Clayson, are you sure Mason Industries' grand spectacle today is going to end in embarrassment?" Clayson thumped his chest confidently. "I guarantee it!" — As time ticked closer to 9:00 AM, the rooftop of Mason Industries Tower was packed with prominent figures. Among them were directors of various space agencies, high-ranking NASA officials, military representatives, corporate executives, and countless reporters. All of them were waiting for the arrival of today's central figure—the man behind Mason Industries, Gene Mason. Suddenly, at the center of the rooftop, the ground began shifting. Like the petals of a blooming flower, the platform split apart, and from beneath a rising elevator brought Gene Mason into full view. — "Holy sht, what an entrance!"* "That's way too cool!" "How the hell did they even pull that off?" "Oh my God, this is straight out of a sci-fi movie!" — As soon as reporters caught sight of Gene Mason, they frantically turned their cameras toward him. Standing tall and confident at the center of attention, Gene addressed the gathered crowd. "I am honored to have you all here today to witness the first step of Mason Industries' Starlink Project." "Once today's launch is successful, Mason Industries will provide free and efficient internet services to half the world's population." With a sweeping gesture, dozens of massive holographic screens materialized around the rooftop, encircling the entire platform. The crowd gasped. It was as if they had stepped directly into the future. Even the most ambitious sci-fi movies couldn't match what they were seeing now. — "Greetings, everyone. I am Mr. Mason's AI assistant. You may call me Skynet." — A luminous blue figure suddenly appeared in the air above the rooftop. For the first time ever, Skynet had revealed itself to the world. — "What the hell is that?!" "An AI?!" "Did he just say… Skynet?!" "Jesus Christ, Mason Industries just keeps dropping bombshells!" — Many people in the crowd hesitantly reached out, trying to touch Skynet's holographic projection—only to find their hands passing through it. In the crowd, Norman Osborn stood silently, his face dark with irritation. Not long ago, Osborn Industries had once again lost a crucial government contract to Mason Industries—a loss that left Norman deeply dissatisfied. — "Hmph. Just wait until you all see what Osborn Industries is working on." He muttered coldly under his breath as he watched the dazzling AI display. — "Sir, all preparations are complete. We are ready for launch at any time." Sёarᴄh the NôvelFire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Skynet's voice echoed across the rooftop. Rather than just informing Gene Mason, this announcement was meant for the entire audience. Gene casually pointed forward, and in response, bright yellow boundary lines suddenly illuminated the rooftop. — "Please step back behind the designated safety lines." — The crowd was stunned. The precision of this technology—it was as if magic was unfolding before their very eyes. At the same time, an unsettling thought crept into the minds of many. "Wait… Are they really about to launch right here?" Clayson and Powell, who had been skeptical, suddenly found themselves dead serious. For the first time, a flicker of doubt crossed Clayson's face. — "Ten-second countdown commencing—ten, nine…" The countdown boomed across the rooftop. Everyone's eyes were glued to the Starlink rockets. As the countdown neared zero, a faint humming filled the air. From the base of the rockets, a brilliant blue light pulsed to life, illuminating the entire rooftop. And then— The rockets began rising. Smoothly. Quietly. Without flames or explosion. Unlike traditional rocket launches, which came with deafening roars and extreme heat— These rockets emitted neither sound nor heat. For a moment, the entire crowd stood frozen in place. Clayson's eyes widened in absolute disbelief. His mind refused to accept what he was seeing. "How… How is this possible?" General Powell frowned. "Director Clayson, do you have an explanation for this?" But Clayson had no answer. Instead, he just kept mumbling the same phrase over and over again: "This is impossible… This is impossible…" Because as far as the world knew— No one had mastered electric propulsion technology. Yet, Mason Industries had just done the impossible. And the entire world was now watching. -------------- T/N: Access Advance Chapters on my P@treon: [email protected]/MPHFics