The virtual projection displayed a spaceship far more advanced and futuristic than anything the U.S. currently had.
After presenting the ship's exterior and specifications, Sunday continued:
"The Devonshire Mark I spacecraft is designed to reach a speed of 100,000 kilometers per hour in space.
Its maiden voyage will head directly to the Moon, with an estimated travel time of four hours."
"Good God, how is that possible? Four hours to the Moon? That's less time than it takes me to visit my parents!"
"Shut up, Hunter!" his colleague snapped, covering his mouth to let everyone keep listening.
"If the first voyage succeeds, the second journey will target Mars. Mr. Devonshire aims to be the first Blue Star human to land on Mars.
If all goes well, in 2002, when the distance between Earth and Mars is approximately 70 million kilometers, the new spacecraft will reach and land on Mars in less than 30 days.
In 2003, when the distance reduces to about 56 million kilometers, the journey will take just under 24 days."
The reporters at the press conference and the hosts of the live broadcast were dumbfounded by Sunday's explanation.
Fortunately, one of the guests in the broadcast studio recovered quickly and muttered, "Excuse me, but I just want to say: William Devonshire, are you insane?
Or has nothing on Blue Star caught your interest anymore, so you went ahead and designed a spaceship that would make every scientist on Earth feel ashamed, just to plant a flag on Mars?
If you grow crops on Mars after that, wouldn't it technically make the entire planet your colony?"
Hearing this, those familiar with maritime law began whispering amongst themselves. It did seem like a possibility.
The thought made some believe this issue needed to be discussed at the United Nations, lest Mars truly became William's colony.
At the end of the press conference, William, smiling and holding Abigail's hand, got into a car bearing the Aston Martin logo but resembling a futuristic Rolls-Royce Phantom.
"Sorry, gentlemen, I have to go home for lunch. Hopefully, my dear mother, who knows nothing about this yet, doesn't blow up. Goodbye!"
As usual, William ignored the reporters' follow-up questions and left. This time, they cursed loudly:
"Damn bastard, at least tell us what this gorgeous car is called!"
"It's the Aston Martin Phantom," announced Sean Waynes, Aston Martin's general manager, as he stepped onto the stage with a microphone.
He smiled and explained, "The new Phantom is a luxury vehicle designed specifically for Mr. William Devonshire and high-end business professionals. It combines bulletproof protection, comfort, silence, and cutting-edge technology."
"Luxury?" a reporter asked immediately. "So, you're saying it's ridiculously expensive?"
"Of course. This car was custom-made for Mr. Devonshire, so naturally, everything is top-tier," Sean replied without hesitation. "The bulletproof version is priced at £1.2 million. The standard version costs £500,000, and the convertible version is £600,000."
"Damn it, I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up," one reporter muttered. Initially eager to buy one, he shook his head in defeat upon hearing the price. "This is a rich man's toy, through and through. And why didn't that damn William Devonshire announce this car earlier?"
Hearing this, other reporters felt a mix of excitement and frustration, cursing William as well.
Meanwhile, Alexander Pierce, the head of Hydra, turned off the live broadcast with a sigh and a press of his remote.
Holding a glass of whiskey, he stood by the floor-to-ceiling window in his office, gazing at the distant view.
His mind raced. Could William have discovered something on the Moon or Mars? Perhaps traces of the Xenomorphs? Why else would he publicly announce his intention to visit these places?
Surely no sane person would embark on a solo space journey. Operating a spacecraft isn't as simple as piloting a propeller plane—it's not a one-person job.
Something about this situation was clearly being kept under wraps.
Driven by his desire for alien technology and immortality, Pierce couldn't resist calling William.
"Hello, who's this?"
The call connected quickly, and Pierce softened his tone to sound friendlier. "Mr. William Devonshire, this is Alexander Pierce, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. You—"
William interrupted him mid-sentence. "Hold on, are you trying to trick me?"
"What do you mean by that?" Pierce asked, feigning surprise. "Mr. Devonshire, is there some misunderstanding between us?"
"No, no misunderstanding. S.H.I.E.L.D.? More like Hydra, right? Am I correct, Director Pierce?"
Caught off guard, Pierce's face darkened, but he maintained a calm and amiable tone. "I don't know where you got that information, but since I've remained in my position as Director, it means you or your backers don't intend to oppose us. Am I right, Mr. Devonshire?"
"Of course. I don't care what you Hydras hiding in the U.S. are up to. As long as you're not trying to destroy the world, it doesn't concern me. Even if you take power, I'll probably still live comfortably, right?"
"Absolutely, Mr. Devonshire. We're capitalists too. We understand the importance of maintaining markets and supporters."
The two chatted casually for about ten minutes until William reached his Kensington Gardens estate. Seeing his mother's car parked outside, he said abruptly, "Apologies, Mr. Pierce. If you don't have anything else, I need to deal with my mother now."
"Alright, let me get straight to the point," Pierce said after a brief pause. "Can you tell me why you're personally going to the Moon and Mars? Perhaps we can collaborate and help streamline some of the paperwork."
"Heh, I'll send you a photo, and you'll understand. But after that, I'll need you to handle everything related to the spacecraft launch for me.
And one last thing—if this photo leaks to anyone beyond you, I'll kill you. Agreed?"
"Xenomorphs?"
Pierce only hesitated for a moment before concluding that William must have discovered traces of the Xenomorphs.
After all, there was no other reason for someone like William to share such a secret—let alone issue such a direct threat about leaking it.
After the call ended, Pierce tried replaying the conversation, only to hear static and garbled noise.
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I Am Zeus, KING OF GODS (Chapter 79)
Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 391)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 471)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 677)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 1059)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1418)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1422)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1452)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1504)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld!(Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 703)
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