Chapter 101: The Birth Of A Fanatic
[Sir, he is about to awaken,] Nova informed Aron, indicating that two hours had passed in the real universe.
"Thanks," Aron said and immediately left the simulated universe to log out.
When he logged out he stretched himself feeling refreshed as if he had slept the entire night. This was because as soon as he logged into the VR, Nova had promptly initiated the REM procedure to deceive Aron's brain into believing that he was sleeping.
This allowed his brain to rest, considering he had dedicated the entire night to infusing mana into runes.
Aron put the VR headset on the table and began waiting for John to wake up as he was sure he would be waking up within ten minutes.
...…
9 minutes later
JOHN'S POV
As John awakened, he experienced a sense of tranquility, as if he had indulged in a blissful night's rest—an uncommon occurrence since his injury. As he began relishing the pleasant sensation, his mind interjected abruptly, "Hold on, wait a minute, something ain't right"
Consequently, he initiated a mental exploration, conjuring up theories to explain the absence of the usual pain that accompanied his awakening after resorting to sleeping pills.
As these thoughts raced through his mind, he contemplated, "Is this what it feels like to die? Perhaps he truly did take my organs." His emotions became entangled, torn between a sense of relief that the pain had vanished, yet also tinged with sadness for having departed without experiencing closure.
Interrupting his thoughts, a voice asked, "How are you feeling?"
Upon hearing the question, he swiftly transitioned to a seated position, astonished by his newfound ability to do so.
However, his amazement quickly dissipated as he felt the sensation in both his legs and hands. "Oh my God," he exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief, as he raised his amputated hand and beheld its presence instead of the void that had occupied its space before.
In an instant, he became oblivious to the voice that had posed the initial question, his gaze fixating on his legs. To his astonishment, the previously atrophied leg had regained its former vitality.
However, before he could fully absorb this revelation, another question interjected, "Hey, can you hear me?".
Raising his head to locate the source of the sound, he discovered the familiar figure of the man he had encountered the previous night.
Overcoming his initial surprise, he promptly inquired, "Are you the angel of death? I'm I dead? Is that why my body has reverted to its previous state?"
...…
Upon hearing the question, Aron couldn't contain his laughter, caught off guard by the unexpected query emerging from a blind spot.
Although he had anticipated witnessing John's reaction upon awakening with a fully restored body, he never imagined being mistaken for an angel of death.
After a hearty laughter that lasted for approximately thirty seconds, Aron eventually regained composure, allowing him to respond to the inquiry he had been posed. "No, I am not the angel of death," he replied earnestly. "You are not deceased, and indeed, your body has not only returned to its former state but has actually surpassed its previous condition." taking a pause before he continued
"Just as I assured you, everything has come to an end now that you have awakened. It is time for you to fulfill your part of the bargain," he concluded with a serious tone, his once-smiling countenance replaced by a more serious expression, both in his face and his voice.
As Aron's words resonated with John, a flood of memories rushed back, and he recollected the events of the previous night in their entirety.
He recalled making a solemn vow to pledge his loyalty to the man, firmly believing that his disabilities rendered any potential usefulness of such loyalty futile.
Curiosity sparked within John, and questions filled his mind. "How did he accomplish it? To my knowledge, there is no known method for regenerating an amputated hand. Was such technology kept secret and withheld from the public?" Numerous inquiries sprouted in his mind, urging him to delve deeper into the mystery.
However, a profound transformation occurred within him as he recollected the dire circumstances he had faced before. Rising to his feet, John's determination surged, and he promptly dropped down onto one knee.
With unwavering conviction and a serious tone in his voice, he made his solemn pledge: "I swear before God that I shall remain loyal to you, unwavering and steadfast, and I shall never betray you under any circumstances." Every word that left his lips carried profound sincerity, etched upon his earnest countenance.
As Aron witnessed the man humbly dropping to his knees, reminiscent of medieval oaths of loyalty, a sense of contentment washed over him.
He felt a surge of happiness that the man had upheld his promise, thus eliminating the need for drastic measures such as forcing him into signing a loyalty contract.
Aron had invested considerable effort, and he harbored no desire to see his endeavors go unrewarded.
Unbeknownst to Aron, a fanatic was born on that very day, someone who would go to great lengths to carry out any command, regardless of how distasteful or abhorrent it may be.
"Stand up," Aron commanded, acknowledging the oath and solidifying the recruitment of his first member into his forces, marking the official start of his private forces.
"Yes, sir," John responded promptly, swiftly rising to his feet and assuming an attentive position. He stood quietly, awaiting further orders with unwavering readiness.
Aron found himself pleasantly surprised by John's swift shift in attitude, observing how he immediately sprung into action without hesitation. The readiness and dedication John displayed caught Aron off guard in the best possible way.
"Take a seat" Aron instructed, recognizing that without the explicit command, John might continue standing indefinitely, waiting for further instructions.
"Yes, sir," John replied obediently, assuming a military posture while taking his seat as if he were within the presence of a high-ranking army commander.
"Is there anything significant remaining in your life?" Aron inquired, although he was aware that there was nothing of importance left for John.
"No, sir," John responded promptly.
"In that case, there should be no issue with you acquiring a new identity, correct? Besides, your appearance has changed and you now appear to be in your twenties as a result of the procedure,"
"Yes, sir," John responded immediately, his head tilted in curiosity in response to what Aron said about his physical transformation.
Upon noticing John's confusion, Aron realized the source of his bewilderment. "Ah, you haven't seen your own face yet," he remarked, retrieving his phone. With a swift reaction, Nova uploaded a real-life 3D rendering of John from the brain data she collected.
"Here, take a look," Aron offered, extending his phone to John, allowing him to witness his new body.
John received the phone with both hands, showing respect, and focused his gaze on the screen. As he beheld the remarkably lifelike 3D image of himself.
Astonishment washed over John as he observed his youthful appearance in the 3D image. It was truly remarkable, and he couldn't help but acknowledge that if he hadn't placed unwavering trust in Aron's words, he would have found it difficult to believe.
Recalling how years of excessive stress and inadequate sleep had taken a toll on his appearance, causing him to appear older than his actual age in his thirties, the transformation seemed almost miraculous.
After allowing John a moment to process his astonishment, Aron proceeded to provide further information. "There is $50,000 deposited into your account. You have one month to use this time as you please before your new social security card, passport, bank account, driver's license, and birth certificate are delivered to your residence.
Once everything has been delivered, contact me to notify me, so that I can officially begin assigning your tasks. I must emphasize, however, that I expect no troubles from you during this period."
"Yes, sir," John responded promptly, his heart brimming with gratitude for the chance to make use of his fully restored body in any way he desired for the duration of one month.
Having received the desired response, Aron promptly stood up, prompting John to rise alongside him.
Aron then removed a brand new phone he had purchased on his way from his pocket and handed it to John who received it respectfully before he took his phone back.
"Use this to contact me whenever you require assistance," he instructed. With that, Aron made his way toward the door, preparing to depart from John's house and return to his own.
John accompanied Aron to the door, displaying a keenness to see him off. However, Aron intervened, informing him that it was unnecessary to go any further.
At that point, John halted and saluted Aron, bidding him farewell in a gesture of respect and gratitude.
Aron closed the door behind him and swiftly started making his way toward where he had parked his car. A tinge of regret washed over him for leaving the car in a spot quite distant from the house for the sake of secrecy and to avoid any potential eyewitnesses as Nova couldn't handle them yet.
"What do you think he will do with the one month and money I gave him?" Aron asked Nova as he was walking to the car.
Nova responded with a single word:[SEX]
"Why do you think so?" Aron inquired while laughing, his laughter stemming from Nova's blunt response.
[Based on his history, it appears that he frequently visited adult websites as a means to occupy his mind and find distraction through self-pleasure,] Nova explained. [It seems that he couldn't afford to pay for an escort in recent months, unlike during the initial period after his discharge.]
"Mh... that's a normal response if he was truly deprived in that aspect," Aron answered to Nova's explanation.
Chapter 102: Gears Moving
Aron arrived back at his home when it was about eight in the morning in which he immediately joined his family in eating breakfast and spending time with them until noon before he left to continue the collection of his forces by having a visit to all the candidates Nova had prepared for him.
...…..
Rina Rothchild mansion.
"Chloe, give me an update on our ongoing discussions with the Department of Justice?" inquired Rina.
"The legal team is in the final stages of negotiating with the Department of Justice, and they anticipate concluding the process by the end of this week," Chloe elaborated.
"Excellent. Notify the finance department to commence the search for a suitable bank that can provide me a loan of 5 billion dollars within two months," Rina instructed.
"For you personally? Not for the company?" Chloe asked, her surprise evident as she wondered if she had misunderstood.
"Yes, I require the funds for making certain investments," Rina confirmed.
Chloe was taken aback by Rina's response, and her surprise was evident. Observing Chloe's reaction, Rina inquired, "What seems to be the issue?"
"Miss, considering you are not the designated successor of the family, the likelihood of banks approving a loan of five billion dollars for you is quite slim," Chloe explained, providing the rationale.
"Tell them to use the Ally international shares that were given to me as collateral," she responded upon hearing Chloe's concern.
"However, even if we consider utilizing those shares as collateral, the bank may exploit the issue with the Department of Justice to justify offering the loan at an exorbitant interest rate, considering your ongoing competition with your brother," Chloe explained, highlighting the potential challenges they will face.
"That won't be an issue. Instruct the financial department to negotiate for a lower interest rate with the banks.
However, if the negotiation doesn't yield favorable results, they should accept the bank's proposed interest rate under the condition that it remains the standard rate if the loan is repaid within a year.
If the repayment timeline exceeds one year, the interest rate will align with the bank's initial proposal," Rina swiftly responded, giving the impression to Chloe that she had already considered these factors beforehand, prior to issuing the order.
Upon realizing Rina's preparedness, Chloe nodded in agreement and promptly began taking note of the instructions provided by Rina.
Another reason Chloe refrained from further questioning was Rina's influential family background. She was aware that in the event of any unfavorable outcomes, Rina would receive support from her family, resulting in relatively minor consequences for the mistake she had made.
'At most, She will regress to her previous state and have to strive to regain her position.' Chloe thought to herself while taking notes
"Also, get in touch with the account opening department and have them create a new personal investment account in my name, where the loan will be deposited," Rina instructed.
"Yes, miss," Chloe acknowledged, jotting down another note before bidding her farewell to inform the relevant departments about the instructions she had received from Rina.
Left alone, she murmured to herself, "Once the loan gets approved and deposited within this month, we'll have approximately 5 months before the Morgans initiate their attack. That should provide us with sufficient time to prepare."
[It is indeed sufficient time, but you will need to provide your accounting information to Mother. She will oversee all the preparations, leveraging her vast computing power during the process and ensure it is conducted discreetly, by spreading out the preparations over an extended period, to minimize the likelihood of attracting attention from the Morgans.] Ava replied back.
"I always hear you speak so highly of your mother, but how does her computing power compare to the advanced systems we have in our private network?" Rina asked, her curiosity piqued by the constant mention of the fabled Mother Nova, who not only handles Aron's problems but also occasionally lends her assistance to them.
[Although I don't possess the complete information about this, as Mother has kept it a secret, she has mentioned to me that her computing power could rival the combined capabilities of all existing supercomputers.
However, personally, I believe her computing power surpasses that estimation by several orders of magnitude, based on the incredible speed at which I consistently receive answers to difficult questions I sent to her.
Often, I receive responses in less than a second after she receives them,] Ava expressed her opinion, emphasizing the impressive capabilities she has witnessed firsthand.
Upon hearing Ava's estimation of her mother's computing power, Rina found herself at a loss for words. The magnitude of the revelation stirred up a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions in her mind, rendering her unable to articulate a response.
Despite being aware that Aron possessed an AI system more potent than Ava, Rina had presumed its computing power to be at most double or even quintuple that of their family's private network server and supercomputer.
However, learning that its capabilities surpassed even those expectations raised numerous questions in her mind.
After taking a moment to gather herself, she voiced her curiosity, "Wouldn't the existence of such a powerful computer attract attention? It seems astonishing that such a groundbreaking technology could remain a secret."
[Initially, Mother began her operations within a standard server farm that Sir Aron had constructed for both personal use and the company. However, it seems that at present, she is utilizing a computer specifically designed by Sir Aron himself, deviating from conventional systems,] Ava explained, providing her assumptions based on the classified information that even she was not privy to.
"Ah, I'm tired of even thinking about it anymore" Rina decided, choosing to bring the topic to a close. Her mind felt burdened and fatigued from contemplating everything concerning Aron.
[Yes] Ava replied, her tone hinting at the suppressed amusement she felt witnessing Rina's reaction to the information.
Rina refocused her attention on her work, assisted by Ava, as she tackled the remaining issues plaguing the company. She was determined to ensure that everything returned to a state free from problems.
This was crucial for her to be fully prepared for the upcoming event without any distractions that could divert her focus.
If all went according to plan, that fateful day held the promise of her regaining her position as a formidable contender for the seat of the next family head.
...…
Eden.
In an opulent office space leased by CONNECT, serving as their interim headquarters, Felix could be seen having a discussion with Liam regarding the company's current situation.
Felix inquired about the progress of the company, "How are things going?" he asked Liam, the Vice President.
Liam responded, "The consolidation process is expected to be completed within the upcoming weeks. However, the infrastructure upgrade will require additional time and extend beyond that."
"Considering the circumstances, it would be wise for us to begin preparations for a special gift to our users once the consolidation is successfully concluded," suggested Felix, referring to the plan provided by Aron upon completing the company acquisition. "This gesture can serve as a warm welcome from us to those who have had their internet access monopolized by a single company."
"I agree with the idea, as it presents an opportunity to create a favorable impression among the masses. However, I'm curious to know your suggestions on how we should execute this plan," inquired Liam, eager to hear Felix's proposal.
"Yesterday, we received a collaboration request from a major corporation. Here, have a look at their proposal," Felix said, handing the folder containing the proposal to Liam.
Liam, who had grown accustomed to receiving comprehensive plans in folders, picked up the folder to examine the proposed collaboration.
The proposal originated from the globally renowned company, GAIA Technology. They offered a staggering sum of one hundred million dollars in exchange for us providing free internet connectivity for six months to users who upgraded their phone's operating system to GAIA OS, including those who have already made the switch.
"This is indeed an enticing offer, but I'm curious as to why the company would want us to promote their OS when people are already voluntarily switching to it," inquired Liam, seeking clarification on the reasons behind receiving this sponsorship offer.
"I'm not entirely sure about the exact motivations behind their request. However, considering that this offer presents a lucrative opportunity for our company, I see no reason to decline it. Moreover, even without this offer, we would still need to provide a certain period of free internet service to address some of the dissatisfaction among our users. Therefore, accepting this proposal can be viewed as a positive move for us," Felix explained, concealing the fact that the company was owned by the same individual.
"Certainly, I will carefully review the offer and explore potential ways to utilize it even more effectively, aiming to reshape the company's public perception," Liam affirmed. He bid farewell, picked up the folder, and departed from the office, heading towards his workspace to commence planning for the advertisement rollout.
Chapter 103: Gears Continue Moving
As twilight descended, Aron arrived home after successfully recruiting another individual named Miles to join his forces. To his delight, he found his family engaged in the preparations for their evening meal.
"Come and join us," his mother beckoned, using a gentle wave of her hand, calling him to join them.
Without hesitation, Aron immediately proceeded to wash his hands before joining his family at the dinner table to assist them in the preparations before they sat down and started eating the meal with them.
As they indulged in the meal, they engaged in light-hearted conversation, savoring each bite. After they had finished eating and tidied up the table, Henry left at once heading to Aron's room to play PlayStation, leaving Aron and his parents in the living room.
"How's work going?" his father asked with genuine curiosity, clearly displaying his keen interest in his son's professional pursuits.
"It's going very well and we are expanding faster than before" Aron responded to his father's question before posing one of his own, "And how about you?"
His father paused for a moment, contemplating his response. Gratitude resonated in his voice as he spoke, "I can't ask for anything better, thanks to you. I no longer have to worry about whether my family will have heat or not. You've changed our lives for the better." A hint of embarrassment tinged his words, a reminder of the hardships they had faced in the past.
Observing the atmosphere taking a somber turn, his mother interjected, "It appears you've been quite occupied since your return from the business trip." She directed her question at Aron, acknowledging the increased amount of time he had been spending away and assuming it was solely due to his work demands.
"Yes, the company is currently undergoing a rapid growth phase, and I need to be actively involved in approving decisions and planning future actions," Aron responded, opting to stick with the explanation that justified his increased absence. He refrained from revealing the true nature of his activities, which involved healing individuals and enlisting them in his forces while gaining their unwavering loyalty.
"Don't push yourself too hard, Aron. Your health is of utmost importance, more valuable than anything else," his mother advised, expressing genuine concern for his well-being. His father nodded in agreement, silently supporting her words. Little did they know that the likelihood of humanity conquering the universe within the next three years was higher than Aron falling ill anytime soon.
"Yes, I will be cautious. By the way, have you made any decisions regarding going on vacation?" Aron asked his mother, smoothly transitioning to a different topic.
"Yes, I discussed it with your father, and he's also on board with the idea. We're waiting for May to arrive because Henry's summer break begins in a week." his mother replied, providing an update on their vacation plans.
"That's fantastic! It will give you the opportunity to explore multiple destinations during that time. So, where do you have in mind to visit?" Aron inquired, expressing curiosity about their intended travel destinations.
"We're currently considering visiting famous locations in Europe, but we're having difficulty deciding where to begin," his father responded, acknowledging their current dilemma.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of incredulity at the stark contrast between their previous financial struggles and their current conundrum of choosing vacation destinations.
"Oh, if that's where you're facing a roadblock, I can assist you with that. I've been in Europe for the past two months, and I can help plan the itinerary in a way that minimizes travel time and maximizes your enjoyment," Aron offered, eager to make their vacation planning process smoother and more convenient.
"Thank you, but why aren't you coming with us? Will you be busy even during that time?" his mother inquired, a tinge of sadness evident in her voice as she expressed her disappointment at his apparent absence from the vacation plans.
"I genuinely want to come with you all, but I have work obligations that require my presence. However, I'll join you as soon as I can find some free time from the company," Aron replied.
"It's commendable that you're dedicated to your work, but don't exhaust yourself just to be with us. We can always adjust our plans and wait for you to finish your work, so we can embark on the vacation together. The summer break is quite long," his father expressed, conveying his concern for Aron's well-being when he heard his reply.
"No, there's no need to do that. Henry is eagerly looking forward to the vacation, and besides, I'm uncertain if I'll have any substantial free time. There's always a chance of unforeseen events occurring," Aron responded, dismissing the idea of postponing the vacation to accommodate his work schedule.
Aron was certain that he would not have sufficient time in the upcoming months to accompany them on vacation. He planned to utilize the period they were away to extensively travel across America, collecting brain data and further expanding his forces.
"If that's the case, then we'll be waiting for you in Europe," his father answered after hearing Aron's explanation.
"Yes," Aron replied, and they continued engaging in conversation on various topics for approximately half an hour. Eventually, Aron bid his parents farewell and made his way to his room to enjoy some gaming and spend quality time with Henry who he won't be seeing for some time.
After spending a few hours playing games with Henry, Aron sent him to go to sleep. Once Henry had settled in, Aron made his way to the basement, where he resumed his work.
...….
Inside the Universal S?mulation.
[Sir, the app is complete,] Nova informed Aron as soon as he logged in and entered through the gate.
"What App?" Aron asked momentarily perplexed, as he couldn't recall having requested Nova to create any specific application.
[The tour app for your parents to use during their vacation throughout Europe,] Nova replied, clarifying the purpose of the app she had developed.
"Oh, so you decided to create an app instead of simply preparing a travel plan?" Aron responded, expressing his surprise at the choice Nova made.
[This way, they can have the freedom to choose the places they want to visit, rather than being limited to the ones you prefer. It offers them the opportunity to make their own decisions and have a personalized experience,] Nova explained, providing her rationale for developing an app rather than simply providing a predetermined travel plan.
"Show it to me," Aron requested, and instantly, a phone materialized in his hand, displaying the app with all its functionalities already loaded and open for exploration.
He began navigating through the app, thoroughly exploring its contents to understand its features and offerings.
The app encompassed everything one could ever require when visiting a particular destination. It provided detailed information on various modes of transportation, including driving directions and public transportation routes within the county.
Additionally, it featured captivating imagery of the attractions visitors could expect to encounter upon arrival. Furthermore, the app incorporated authentic reviews from individuals who had previously visited the location, offering valuable insights.
It even included essential warnings and reminders for places with specific rules or important considerations that visitors should keep in mind. The app's comprehensive nature ensured that users would have all the necessary information and guidance at their fingertips.
Nova meticulously curated the app, incorporating an extensive range of vital information she deemed essential for travelers. She harnessed a multitude of sources, including Google Maps, review data, and numerous other datasets she had collected throughout her existence for training and other various applications.
By harnessing this vast reservoir of data, the app provided unparalleled accuracy, fully maximizing its potential with the wealth of information currently available worldwide.
"Great job," Aron complimented Nova on her creation, acknowledging the app's exceptional quality and usefulness.
[Thank you] Nova replied graciously to Aron's praise.
"I'll hand it over to them tomorrow. Now, let's get back to work. How is the consolidation process going?" Aron inquired, shifting his focus back to the task at hand.
After examining the program she had developed and was given to Felix, Nova provided her report.[A week at the earliest, three weeks at the latest]
Aron had entrusted the program to Felix, allowing him to utilize it and help alleviate the workload associated with their consolidation efforts.
"In that case, they should have begun planning the rollout of the promotion," Aron stated upon hearing Nova's report.
[Yes, but won't this give the impression to the dictator that we are needlessly losing money, potentially resulting in him receiving a smaller share when the designated time for dividend payment arrives?] Nova expressed her concern.
"The sponsorship was conceived with this in mind. Requiring them to switch to GAIA OS serves a dual purpose.
It not only allows us to establish contact and exert influence over the population towards a revolution, but it also serves as a legitimate reason in the eyes of the dictator for providing the free data plan exclusively to those who have adopted the new operating system.
This approach helps us avoid arousing suspicion as to why we are only offering the free data plan to those adopting the new OS," Aron clarified.
[When do you intend to eliminate the presence of the other revolutionary leaders from the public eye?] Nova asked after she received the answer to her previous question.
"I intend to execute that step during the final phase of the plan, aiming to generate additional discontent and push the situation to its tipping point. You can think of them as the metaphorical powder keg."
"However, their freedom until that time relies on their ability to refrain from causing any trouble as Alexander's group grows in strength. If they prove incapable of exercising self-control, I will have to address the situation and deal with them before reaching that phase of the plan." Aron elaborated, outlining his strategy for handling the other revolutionary leaders.
"But shouldn't you already be aware of these plans, considering they are contained within the brain data you downloaded?" Aron inquired, expressing his curiosity as to why Nova was seeking information that she could easily access by reviewing his memories from the brain data.
[From your memories, there was no specific date or plan assigned, and it was labeled as 'undecided.' This indicates that at that point in time, you had not yet determined how you would approach this particular topic,] Nova clarified, highlighting the information she gathered from reviewing Aron's memories.
"Oooh... Okay," Aron nodded in approval, now understanding the purpose behind Nova's specific questions.
Following the answer, they continued their discussion, spending a few hours where Nova briefed Aron on important information that he had missed. This encompassed various topics, ranging from world politics and economics to other crucial aspects that would enable them to adapt and refine their plans according to the current global landscape.
As a wise man once said, "There are no ideal conditions, only ideal responses." Sun Tzu
Chapter 104: Phase Two Begins.
A week later.
Aron was behind the wheel, chauffeuring his family to the airport as they embarked on their long-awaited vacation. Accompanying them were three additional vehicles carrying security personnel, dedicated to ensuring their safety throughout the journey.
"Why aren't you coming with us?" Henry inquired, noticing that Aron had not packed his bag into the car.
"I have some unfinished work to attend to. I will join you once I find some free time," Aron explained, passing through the airport security checkpoint before proceeding to park the car.
"That's unfortunate," Henry said, his slight sadness overshadowed by the excitement he felt for the trip.
Aron couldn't help but let out a chuckle as he witnessed Henry's fleeting moment of sadness, which promptly vanished when Henry's gaze fixed upon an airplane landing outside the window.
After parking the vehicles, the group, accompanied by the security team, entered the airport and proceeded to undergo the necessary security checks. They then made their way to the designated area where the private plane awaited, ready to transport Aron's family and the security team to Europe.
"Join us as soon as you're able," said his mother, embracing him tightly as a farewell gesture.
"Yes, I promise," Aron replied, moving to embrace his father before lifting Henry up to his eye level, causing laughter to erupt from the young boy.
He then accompanied them to the plane and warmly greeted the pilots whom he had gotten to know during his two-month journey across Europe, where they had been his trusted transporters.
"Remember to use the app I gave you. It will assist you in choosing which places to visit. It's synchronized with the security team's devices, allowing them to prepare in advance once you've made your decision. Alright?" Aron reminded his parents one last time before he exited the aircraft.
He then stood outside, waving at the excited Henry through the window, as the airplane commenced its taxi towards the runway, embarking on its journey to transport the Michael family throughout their European vacation.
Aron patiently waited until the plane took off, then turned around and made his way towards the airport building followed by four bodyguards with one of them carrying a box. He was heading to one of the United Airlines ticket counters to purchase a plane ticket for California, where he planned to visit a specific division of Lockheed Martin: The fabled Skunk Works division.
Once he had purchased the ticket, he turned to the four bodyguards who had remained to drive the cars back home. One of them approached him, carrying a box, and handed it to Aron.
They then bid him farewell and proceeded to leave the airport to retrieve the cars, returning to the house to continue doing their security job.
Aron patiently waited for his boarding time to commence his work of gathering brain data from individuals on his list residing within the United States.
His journey would begin on the West Coast, traversing through each state until he returned to his home state of New York on the East Coast.
Alongside the brain data collection, he also intended to finalize the recruitment of his forces from the list of 308 individuals.
Last week, he had successfully converted the remaining fifteen people residing within the same state resulting in him having a total of eighteen people in his private forces who were currently on a one-month holiday.
He accomplished this by just healing them, restoring their health, and regenerating any missing body parts. He made sure to stop there and not continue using the healing rune like what he did to John in order to save time. As that can be done at any time.
As Aron had stopped using the rune once the individuals were fully healed, they did exhibit a more youthful appearance compared to before. However, the degree of transformation was not as pronounced as the remarkable changes John had undergone.
He decided to postpone their mutation for the time being. His intention was to allow the research teams in Lab City to thoroughly study the evolved characteristics of John's body and develop a genetic serum capable of replicating the same results. This serum would then be used on the remaining members of his forces.
The plan was arranged in a way that ensured that Aron would be able to complete the entire operation within a span of one month and two weeks.
...…
Eden.
Alexander could be seen in his study, engrossed in his work, as he dedicated his efforts to preparing his group for the imminent surge of new members. His focus revolved around ensuring their readiness to accommodate the forthcoming influx and that they are not overwhelmed.
While Alexander was deep in thought, his concentration was abruptly interrupted by the sound of a notification. A soft "ting" emanated from his device, indicating the arrival of an SMS. He promptly diverted his attention and opened the message to see its contents.
Sender: CONNECT.
[
CONNECT Telecom: Exciting Offer Announcement! ???? In celebration of our official launch of telecommunication services in Eden, we are delighted to present you with an exclusive offer.
Enjoy 6 months of complimentary access to our comprehensive range of services, including calls, SMS, and Internet!
However, please note that this offer is exclusively available to those who switch to or have already switched to the GAIA OS.
Upgrade your operating system today and experience uninterrupted connectivity.
Click here to make the switch: [Link:....]. #CONNECTTelecom #FreeInternet #FreeCellularServices #Important #GAIA TECHNOLOGIES #GAIA OS #Eden
]
After reading the message, Alexander knew that the most intense period since the establishment of their group had finally arrived. They had to endure this challenging phase for approximately six months before Eden entered a transformative era.
Taking a moment to reflect on where they had come to reach this point, before he said, "Phase two has officially started," followed by a burst of laughter.
His laughter intensified as he recollected the meeting with the other revolutionary leaders, where they had collectively rejected Aron's offer. Yet, against all odds, Alexander had quietly followed his gut feeling and secretly agreed to the proposition—a decision that now seemed remarkably wise in hindsight. The irony of the situation overwhelmed him, fueling his amusement even further.
In every corner of Eden,
This message created a sensation across the entire nation, as people joyously celebrated the generosity of the new company.
Almost everyone who had not yet switched their operating system to GAIA OS eagerly utilized the provided link in the message to make the transition.
Remarkably, even individuals who lacked technical expertise found the process surprisingly user-friendly.
All they needed to do was click on the link, which would redirect them to a website featuring a single button labeled "Change OS." Once clicked, the operating system itself would take care of the rest, ensuring a seamless transition for the users.
The process commenced with the OS download, swiftly followed by the seamless replacement of the existing OS while preserving all user data. Within just half an hour, from the moment of download to the system being fully restored and ready for operation, users could immediately begin utilizing the complimentary services provided by the telecom company.
Chapter 105: Felix Finding Out (Aron's Trojan Horse)
The news continued to spread rapidly, reaching an increasing number of individuals until it eventually reached Adolf, the dictator. And without wasting time he immediately called Felix wanting to know more about the stunt that CONNECT was pulling.
"Hello, Your Excellency," Felix respectfully responded as he answered the phone.
"What is the meaning of this stunt? Are you deliberately aiming for financial losses in the initial years just to avoid paying me?" Adolf shouted, his voice resounding through the phone.
"Your Excellency, it appears there has been a misunderstanding on your part. This complimentary telecommunication offer is made possible through an advertising partnership we have secured.
Hence, the message was accompanied by the condition that users must switch their phone's operating system to GAIA OS in order for them to benefit from it," Felix explained, making an effort to maintain a composed tone despite growing frustration with the dictator's demeanor.
"Give me the details about the offer" Adolf demanded, displaying a complete lack of trust. Adolf saw this as an opportunity to vent his dissatisfaction over signing a contract that delayed dividend payments by almost a year and three months.
"They are compensating us with a sum of 100 million for offering free telecommunication services to all GAIA OS users in Eden for a duration of 6 months," Felix replied, maintaining his composure as best he could.
"If that's the case, then it's satisfactory," Adolf acknowledged before abruptly ending the phone call, leaving Felix stunned with the phone still pressed to his ear. He restrained himself from shouting out his frustration, holding his emotions in check.
"I really need to control myself or one day I might lose control of myself and just end up shouting back at him ruining everything I had worked hard to accomplish." Felix contemplated, recognizing the need to keep his emotions in check.
However, a question lingered in his mind. "Why did Aron agree to pay the dividends? He's someone stubborn enough to resist the Department of Defense's attempts to acquire his program forcibly to the point that he sent them to court trying to annul the FISA order," he pondered, realizing that Aron likely had no intention of paying any dividends to the dictator at all.
"If Aron had intended to pay the dividends, he would have opted for a quarterly or semi-annual payment structure as that would make the dictator look at them in a positive light. However, him deliberately choosing a yearly dividends payment, despite knowing it would displease the dictator, suggests that he has a plan in motion that should come to fruition within a year," Felix speculated, delving into his own hypothesis. "Moreover, his reasoning for the yearly payment is bullshit as our calculation indicated that we would have already begun earning profits by the fourth month following consolidation, making the need for a yearly payment questionable," he reasoned, addressing each question that arose in his mind.
"Furthermore, why choose to advertise the company and incentivize people to switch to GAIA OS with free internet, incurring expenses of 100 million dollars in the process?" Felix questioned, delving deeper into his analysis.
"It suggests that whatever Aron is planning is contingent upon the majority, if not everyone, in the country, having access to the internet and other telecommunication services," he pondered, recognizing the significance of widespread connectivity for Aron's undisclosed scheme.
One by one, he eliminated possibilities until only a single revelation remained. As the realization struck him, Felix abruptly rose from his chair, taken aback by the astonishing revelation. Overwhelmed with astonishment, he couldn't contain himself and exclaimed, "Holy shit!"
"He's becoming increasingly bold," Felix murmured as he paced back and forth, his hands gripping the back of his head. The weight of the realization still gripping him, he trembled with fear, apprehensive that someone might uncover this plan.
However, Felix gradually managed to regain his composure as he recognized that his ability to reach such a conclusion was a result of his close friendship with Aron.
Having an intimate understanding of Aron's character and thought processes allowed him to discern the true implications behind each decision. With this realization, a sense of reassurance washed over Felix, soothing his earlier fears.
"But how does he intend to utilize the telecommunication infrastructure to instigate a regime change?" Felix pondered aloud, his mind consumed by the question.
"Ahaaaa, the program he entrusted me to use for the new company!" Felix exclaimed, the realization hitting him like a bolt of lightning.
"Through that program, he has gained complete control over the entire country's internet infrastructure. With people switching to GAIA OS, a system he personally created, he can manipulate and control the information accessed by everyone within the country," he concluded, astounded by the magnitude of Aron's plan.
"Holy mother!" Felix exclaimed, his heart nearly leaping out of his chest as he comprehended the vast scale of manipulation one could achieve with complete control over the entire country's internet access. The implications were staggering, and a shiver ran down his spine at the thought.
"There are a few missing pieces in my calculations to complete the puzzle. A regime change requires a figurehead, but Aron cannot be the one to become the next leader, as it would be perceived as a hostile takeover by both the people and other governments, leading to never-ending sanctions," Felix contemplated. After a brief moment of reflection, he concluded that Aron must have already identified someone who would serve as the figurehead for the new regime.
"But what does he stand to gain from this plan?" Felix questioned himself, attempting to discern the motives that would drive Aron to orchestrate a regime change in another country. His mind raced, exploring various possibilities that could explain Aron's ulterior motives behind such a grand scheme.
After a brief period of contemplation, Felix reached a conclusion. "Control," he uttered, realizing that Aron's primary objective was to gain extensive control over the situation.
However, he couldn't help but feel that this was an excessive reaction on Aron's part, considering it was merely a matter of being compelled to surrender a program to the government.
"Unless..." Felix paused, a peculiar and somewhat absurd thought emerging in his mind. "What if he possesses something even greater than everything he has released thus far, and he fears it being taken away from him once again?" he contemplated aloud, the notion presenting itself as a plausible explanation for Aron's extreme measures.
In the wake of this realization, Felix couldn't contain his laughter, overcome with a sense of irony.
The dictator, Adolf, had unknowingly supported Aron's consolidation of power, blinded by his own greed and narrow vision. It was akin to inviting an enemy into one's own house without even realizing it.
"Ah, Adolf, poor you," Felix uttered, a mix of empathy and satisfaction in his voice. All the pent-up frustration he had endured from constantly humbling himself in front of the dictator, no matter how rudely Adolf treated him, now seemed to dissipate like dust being washed away by water.
Simultaneously, he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of joy for his friend Aron, recognizing the successful execution of the Trojan horse maneuver on a national scale.