Despite the United States' frustration, it was of no use. Not only did the English government ignore their protests, but the English capitalists, understanding the importance of timing and opportunity, acted swiftly.
By the time the New York Stock Exchange opened the next day, hundreds of short positions on gold futures, each ranging from one to several million dollars, discreetly appeared in markets across over a dozen cities worldwide.
By the time anyone noticed something was wrong and attempted to stabilize the market, seven hours had already passed.
During those hours, the media was flooded with reports about lunar gold deposits previously detected during space exploration and rumors that England would monopolize extraterrestrial gold mining.
In the final hour of trading, a fierce battle broke out between short-sellers and those betting on gold prices rising.
While most ordinary investors adopted a wait-and-see approach, the lingering effects of the recent economic crisis and fears of currency devaluation kept the mainstream sentiment bullish on gold.
Faced with immense pressure, English capitalists debated their next move and concluded that the Mars spacecraft needed to make a trip to the Moon.
If the spacecraft returned with even a single gold ore sample, it would confirm that humanity could obtain gold from extraterrestrial sources.
Regardless of the costs involved, the very notion of bringing gold back from space would create hesitation among many investors and panic among some.
In the world of futures trading, confidence is everything.
As discussions about the Mars spacecraft and its creator dominated global headlines, William's estate in London became a hub of activity.
Over the next two days, visitors flocked to Devonshire Manor. Those with connections sought favors, and no one arrived empty-handed.
By the end of this flurry of activity, Abigail had cataloged over 20 rare antiques and artifacts gifted to the household.
Through these interactions and Sunday's intelligence-gathering, William learned that England's firm stance against the U.S. was rare but had come at a cost.
Recognizing the stakes, William knew he couldn't remain a passive observer.
With the world still abuzz about the Mars spacecraft, William announced that the spacecraft would officially embark on a mission to the Moon in three days.
For the first time in history, a privately developed spacecraft would land on the Moon, marking humanity's second lunar landing—this time under the banner of a single family.
Three days later, no one objected to William piloting the spacecraft himself.
At precisely 10 a.m., the English Aerospace Center confirmed that the optimal window for a lunar mission would open in four hours.
At the spacecraft's speed, it would take approximately three hours and forty minutes to reach the Moon.
After receiving Sunday's notification, William embraced his mother, donned the helmet of his Mark IV space combat suit, and boarded the spacecraft.
Under the gaze of dozens of cameras and billions of viewers worldwide, he waved to the press before stepping into the spacecraft's interior.
After unlocking the engine room's electronic locks, William installed the refrigerator-sized Arc Reactor into the energy bay and activated it.
Next, he used advanced alien diagnostic equipment to confirm that the spacecraft was in perfect condition. Only then did he enter the cockpit to manually inspect the spacecraft's systems.
Inside the mission control room at the London Aerospace Center, over 100 scientists and engineers anxiously monitored the spacecraft's data on their screens.
Senior officials from England's highest ranks stood quietly at the back, listening attentively as the head of the aerospace center provided updates on the spacecraft's status.
All eyes occasionally darted to Lena Devonshire, who was surrounded by Selene, Nyssa, Abigail, and Jessie.
Many couldn't help but feel envy. Lena, once part of a declining noble family, had raised a son who could make any parent in the world green with envy.
"Mission Control, this is the Mars spacecraft. This is William Devonshire. All systems are functioning perfectly. I'm ready for liftoff."
The command room fell silent. No one seemed to care that William phrased his message as a statement rather than a request.
After a brief pause, the head of mission control replied, his voice trembling with excitement:
"Roger that. Permission granted for liftoff. Repeat: Permission granted for liftoff."
"Understood. Igniting engines."
William pulled the throttle, and a plume of pale blue flame erupted from the spacecraft's rear.
The spacecraft began to taxi slowly, but within seconds, it rose to a height of 100 meters.
In full view of the world, the spacecraft executed a sharp maneuver, tilting upward with its tail facing the ground.
The flame at its rear suddenly extended from several meters to over ten meters.
With a loud boom, a ripple-like shockwave appeared in the air as the spacecraft broke the sound barrier. Within moments, it accelerated to over ten times the speed of sound and vanished from sight.
"God Almighty," someone murmured. "It broke the sound barrier from a standstill? And in seconds, it surpassed Mach 10?"
The experts at the London Aerospace Center, like their counterparts worldwide, were left in stunned silence. Many broke out in cold sweats.
Lena, initially worried, noticed the scientists around her either clutching their bald heads or pulling at their hair in disbelief.
Curious, she turned to the head of the aerospace center, who was explaining the implications to those present.
"If we apply this technology to fighter jets," he said, "England's aircraft would become immune to any existing missile attacks.
Furthermore, missiles launched from these aircraft could, with the right materials, reach speeds exceeding Mach 15.
This would make them the bane of all enemy aircraft and ground-based missile defense systems."
"Are you saying," someone interjected, "that in aerial and penetration battles, we'd be untouchable?"
"Precisely," the official replied. "With the right materials, we'd dominate air combat. Both our aircraft and missiles would be unmatched."
Hearing this, everyone's attention turned to Lena, the one person who could influence William.
Many began to wonder if Lena Devonshire might soon rank among the world's most influential women.
Everyone present knew that William, who showed little regard for kings or heads of state, was exceptionally obedient and respectful to his mother.
In mere moments, the gathered elite reached a silent consensus:
No matter how much they were mocked for their sycophancy, they needed to ensure their wives or female relatives forged strong and lasting bonds with Lena Devonshire.
As for William's other women, they suddenly seemed far less important in the eyes of the assembled powerbrokers.
(End of Chapter)
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