Chapter 9 — Securing the Core
Ethan sat at the head of the cabinet table, the Arc Reactor's core schematics projected on a holo-display before him. The Science Ministers leaned in eagerly, while the Treasury Secretary and Finance Minister shifted uncomfortably in their chairs.
Ethan: "To properly develop the core half of the Arc Reactor, I am requesting a research and development budget of five billion dollars."
A murmur ran through the room. The Treasury Secretary cleared his throat, frowning.
Treasury Secretary: "Five billion? Mr. President, with all due respect, the country cannot afford to allocate such a massive sum to a single project. This is unprecedented—"
Ethan (interrupting, calm but firm): "I understand your concern. But this is not mere spending—it is an investment. The Arc Reactor's capabilities, once fully developed, will revolutionize energy production, industrial infrastructure, and national defense. The return on investment will far exceed the initial outlay."
Finance Minister: "Even if that's true, isn't there a risk? Technology projects of this scale often fail. How do you guarantee results?"
Ethan leaned forward, fingers steepled, addressing the council with measured authority.
Ethan: "I will allocate the funds strategically. Two billion will be reserved for the development of the core under my direct oversight. The remaining three billion will be granted to the Science Department to kick off production and begin work on the shell of the Arc Reactor. By keeping the core centralized, we ensure security and control, while still enabling innovation and progress."
The room fell silent. Some ministers nodded, seeing the logic, while others frowned in concern. The Science Ministers whispered excitedly among themselves, already imagining what they could accomplish with their portion.
Ethan (thinking to himself): The council doesn't know the half-truth. I'll get the materials for the core from the system—discreetly, without leaving a trace. No one can replicate it, not Lex Luthor, not Brainiac, not any other super-powered individual who might try to reverse engineer this technology. By keeping the core under my control, I protect the city and the nation. And with the remaining funds, the scientists can start work on the shell, while I retain a contingency in case another interesting blueprint surfaces. Strategic, controlled, secure.
Ethan (aloud): "By splitting the budget this way, we achieve two things: secure, centralized development of the core, and immediate, authorized work on the shell. Both halves progress, but the sensitive elements remain protected. Misuse will not be tolerated."
The Science Ministers practically vibrated with excitement.
Science Minister 1: "With three billion allocated to the shell, we can begin large-scale production immediately! This is exactly what we needed."
Science Minister 2: "And knowing the core is securely overseen by the President gives us confidence to innovate freely. Brilliant strategy."
The Treasury Secretary frowned but nodded slowly.
Treasury Secretary: "I see your point about risk mitigation and potential ROI. Five billion is unprecedented, but if your projections are accurate, the investment is justified."
Ethan allowed himself a small, measured nod. He had secured control of the core, ensured security against potential threats, and simultaneously empowered the Science Department to start production.
Ethan: "We move carefully. Core fabrication will be under strict oversight, focusing on stability, scalability, and security. The shell production will follow precise protocols to ensure compatibility and efficiency. No shortcuts, no mistakes."
As the cabinet meeting adjourned, Ethan lingered a moment, staring at the projection of the core.
Ethan (thinking): Two billion for the core, three for the shell… materials from the system, assembly under my control, contingency funds untouched. Lex Luthor, Brainiac, perhaps even the Suicide Squad if anyone catches wind of this—they won't be able to replicate it. They see only what they're allowed to see. The rest remains mine. One step closer to leveraging this for the city, the nation, and beyond.