Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 260: Knowing the Threat

Agent John Harris and Agent Stacy Mitchell sat in a secure room at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, waiting for their video call with Director Turner. The room was equipped with state-of-the-art encryption technology to ensure their conversation remained confidential. They exchanged a few tense glances before the screen flickered to life, and Director Turner's stern face appeared.

"What do you have for me?" She asked without preamble.

Harris cleared his throat. "Director, we've confirmed that Michael Reyes' missile systems are indeed as advanced as he claims. The Guardian Falcon and Triton Spear demonstrated capabilities far beyond anything currently in the U.S., Chinese, or Russian arsenals."

Turner leaned forward, his expression hardening. "Explain."

Mitchell took over, her tone crisp and professional. "The Guardian Falcon, an anti-air missile, uses quantum computing algorithms for real-time targeting adjustments. It effectively countered advanced electronic countermeasures during the demonstration. The Triton Spear, a long-range anti-ship missile, employs a hypersonic scramjet engine and AI-driven target discrimination.

Both systems performed flawlessly against sophisticated defensive measures."

Turner nodded slowly. "And your assessment of the source of this technology? It's highly unlikely Reyes developed this independently."

Harris nodded. "The manufacturing facility is strict, and to our surprise, there's no people to bribe as most of the manufacturing process are done by automated machines, which we are just assuming because apparently, Mr. Reyes just formed his own paramilitary force."

Director Turner's eyes narrowed. "His own paramilitary? That's a bold move. What do you mean by that?"

Mitchell took a deep breath before responding. "Reyes has hired a private security force to guard the facility. They're well-equipped and highly trained, making infiltration nearly impossible. We suspect that the core team working on the missile systems is minimal and operates under strict security protocols."

Turner's expression grew more serious. "So, he's covering his tracks well. What about external communications? Any sign of contact with potential third parties?"

Harris shook his head. "Not yet, Director. Reyes' communication channels are heavily encrypted, and he seems to be using some advanced methods to avoid detection. We're working on breaking through, but it's going to take time."

Turner tapped her fingers on the desk, deep in thought. "We need to figure out who's backing him. This level of technology doesn't just appear out of nowhere. There's a powerful entity behind this, and we need to identify them. For the meantime, I will report this to the President. He might want to hear this news.

A man in the Philippines developed a more advanced missile system than us, and considering the Philippines is our ally, the President might find a way to leverage this situation to our advantage. Maintain your surveillance and keep me updated with any new information."

Yes, Director," Harris and Mitchell responded in unison before the screen went dark.

Harris turned to Mitchell, his face serious. "Let's keep digging."

***

Meanwhile, at the Golden Topper Skyscraper, Michael's office.

There was a knock on the door. Michael usually knew it would be Juliet, so he responded typically with, "Come in."

But instead of Juliet, it was David Natividad, head of Michael's paramilitary force, the Reyes Security Division.

"David," Michael said, surprised. "What brings you here?"

David stepped into the office, closing the door behind him. "Mr. Reyes, we need to talk. I have a report that you need to see."

Michael's expression turned serious. "What's going on?"

David handed him a folder. "You're being spied on by a foreign entity. Specifically, the CIA."

Michael's eyes narrowed as he took the folder. "The CIA? Are you certain?"

David nodded. "Yes. We've detected increased surveillance activity around our facilities and intercepted communications indicating their involvement. They're very interested in our missile systems, and it's clear they see you as a significant threat—or perhaps an opportunity."

Michael flipped through the documents in the folder, his mind racing. "What exactly have they been doing?"

"They've been monitoring our communications and trying to infiltrate our networks," David explained. "They've also deployed agents to keep a close watch on our facilities. Our security measures have kept them at bay so far, but they're persistent. Now, my role is to protect you, Michael. I can eliminate them if you give the order."

Michael's eyes widened slightly. "Eliminate them? We're talking about the CIA, David. They're a highly capable organization. You don't just take out CIA agents without serious consequences. They're not some low-level operatives; they're trained, and they can retaliate in ways we might not be prepared for."

David's expression remained calm and confident. "I understand your concerns Mr. Reyes. But remember, we're on our home turf. Even if they are CIA, they'd be at a disadvantage here. My team is highly trained and knows the terrain better than they do.

We've already anticipated their moves, and we can outmaneuver them."

Michael leaned back in his chair, considering David's words. "And what exactly are you proposing? A direct confrontation?"

David shook his head. "Not necessarily. We can make it clear to them that their presence is known and unwelcome. We can disrupt their operations enough to make them back off. If they push harder, then we can consider more drastic measures. But the key is to send a strong message that we are aware and prepared."

Michael rubbed his temples, "Alright, David. Increase security around our facilities and keep monitoring their activities closely. Let's see if we can make them uncomfortable enough to reconsider their approach. But no lethal force unless absolutely necessary. We can't afford to escalate this into an international incident.

I don't want getting dragged into the US Congress to question why my own paramilitary force killed CIA agents."

"Well, there's nothing for you to worry about in that regard, Mr. Reyes. If a CIA agent is spying on an individual, it's pretty much understood that if they get caught, the United States will deny any knowledge of their activities. It's a standard operating procedure for them," David replied confidently.

"I get that, David, but I want to avoid any unnecessary complications. Let's focus on tightening our security and making it clear we're onto them. Keep me updated on any developments."

David nodded. "Understood, Mr. Reyes. I'll brief my team and ensure we're ready for any eventuality. We'll keep them at bay without escalating the situation."

"Thanks, David. I trust you'll handle this with the utmost discretion," Michael said, handing the folder back.

David left the office, leaving Michael to his thoughts. He knew he had to be careful with every step he took. The CIA's interest in his work was both a compliment and a threat. Did the United States start getting suspicious of his activities? Possibly.