Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 320: Only Self Interest

March 24th, 2029

The morning sun cast long shadows over the barren landscape of the Nevada desert, a place known for its isolation and history of nuclear tests. Today, it was the stage for another groundbreaking experiment. Michael Reyes and his team had set up a temporary base near the testing site, where they were preparing to test the Weather Manipulation Satellite for the first time.

Michael stood outside the command tent, taking in the vast emptiness of the desert. The air was still, and the only sound was the hum of the generators powering their equipment.

"Good morning, Mr. Reyes," Dr. Elena Martinez greeted him as she walked over, holding a clipboard. "Everything is ready. We're just waiting for your go-ahead to start the test."

Michael sipped his coffee, savoring the warmth as he looked out over the desert. "Let's do this," he said, nodding to Dr. Martinez.

They entered the command tent, where a team of engineers and technicians were already at their stations, monitoring the satellite's systems. Large monitors displayed real-time data from the satellite, which was now in orbit above them.

"All systems are green," reported one of the lead engineers. "We're ready to proceed with the test."

"Great," Michael said, taking his place at the front of the room. "Let's begin with the first phase: cloud seeding."

Dr. Martinez gave the order, and the team initiated the sequence. The satellite's particle dispersal system activated, releasing silver iodide particles into the atmosphere over the designated test area. On the monitors, they could see the particles spreading and beginning to interact with the atmospheric conditions.

"Cloud formation is beginning," one of the technicians reported, excitement in their voice.

Michael watched intently as the satellite continued its operation. Gradually, small clouds started to appear, growing denser and more numerous. The satellite's sensors provided real-time feedback, showing the changes in humidity and temperature.

"Cloud formation complete," Dr. Martinez announced. "Proceeding to the next phase: inducing precipitation."

The team activated the high-energy laser arrays. The lasers targeted specific areas within the cloud cover, manipulating the atmospheric pressure and temperature. On the ground, they observed the changes keenly.

"Rainfall detected," another technician reported. "It's working!"

Outside the tent, the first drops of rain began to fall on the desert floor. The team stepped out to witness the results of their experiment. The rain, though light at first, began to intensify, soaking the arid landscape.

"This is incredible," he said, turning to Dr. Martinez. "We've actually done it."

She nodded, her face glowing with pride. "Yes, but we must remain cautious and monitor the effects closely. This is just the beginning."

As the rain continued to fall, the team gathered more data, analyzing the satellite's performance and the environmental impact. They watched the rainfall patterns, ensuring that everything remained within safe and expected parameters.

"All systems are stable," the lead engineer confirmed. "The satellite is functioning perfectly."

Then, Michael's expression shifted from that of friendly to serious.

"Let's try what it can really do," Michael said. "Put all settings to maximum."

"Mr. Reyes?" Dr. Martinez chuckled nervously. "You mean…?"

"Yes," Michael confirmed, his tone firm. "I want to see a portion of the region frozen. Completely."

Dr. Martinez hesitated, glancing at the team for support. "Are you sure? This is a significant escalation."

"I'm sure," Michael said, his eyes steely. "We need to understand the full capabilities of this satellite."

Dr. Martinez took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright, let's proceed with caution."

She turned to the team. "Prepare for the freeze test. Set the parameters to maximum."

The room buzzed with activity as the engineers and technicians adjusted the satellite's settings. On the monitors, the display shifted to show a targeted area in the desert, marked for the freeze test.

"Settings are adjusted," reported the lead engineer. "Ready to initiate freeze sequence."

"Do it," Michael ordered.

The team activated the sequence, and the satellite began to adjust its position in orbit. Moments later, an icy blue beam shot down from the satellite, hitting the designated area in the desert. The temperature readings on the monitors plummeted rapidly.

Outside, the team watched in awe as the landscape began to transform. Frost spread across the ground, quickly followed by a layer of ice. The air grew frigid, and soon, snow began to fall, blanketing the desert in white.

"Temperature drop confirmed," a technician reported. "It's well below freezing."

The icy blue beam continued to pulse, intensifying the cold. The ground beneath it cracked and groaned under the extreme temperatures, turning into a frozen wasteland. The small region was now a stark contrast to the surrounding desert, looking as if it had been transported to an ice age.

"Remarkable," Dr. Martinez whispered, her breath visible in the cold air. "The satellite is exceeding our expectations."

"We've created a controlled ice age in the middle of the desert. This is incredible."

The team continued to monitor the data, ensuring the satellite maintained control over the extreme conditions. After a few more minutes, Michael gave the order to deactivate the freeze sequence.

"Cease the operation," he said. "Let's assess the aftermath."

The icy blue beam faded, and the temperature readings began to rise slowly. The team returned to the command tent to analyze the data. The satellite's sensors showed that the extreme cold had created a thick layer of ice and snow, transforming the desert landscape entirely.

"All systems are normal," the lead engineer confirmed. "The satellite has returned to standby mode."

Dr. Martinez turned to Michael. "We did it. We've proven that the satellite can manipulate weather on an unprecedented scale."

Michael nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. "Yes, but we need to understand the long-term effects. We'll monitor this area closely over the next few days. For now, let's document everything and prepare a report for the President."

He pulled out his tablet and initiated a secure video call. Within moments, President Thomas Greene appeared on the screen.

"Mr. President," Michael greeted him, "I'm pleased to report that the test was a success."

President Greene's expression brightened. "That's excellent news, Michael. Tell me more about the results."

Michael detailed the phases of the test, from cloud seeding to rainfall induction, and finally to the freeze sequence. "The satellite performed flawlessly, and we were able to control the weather as planned. We gathered extensive data, and everything points to the satellite being fully operational."

"I see. That's good then. What are the next steps?"

Michael glanced at Dr. Martinez before continuing. "We'll need to conduct further tests to ensure stability and control under various conditions."

"Understandable," the President replied.

"Will do, Mr. President," Michael assured him. "We'll send a detailed report with all the data collected from today's test."

"Excellent," President Greene said, nodding. "Congratulations to you and your team, Michael. Thank you for your service to the United States of America. Let me assure you that this will benefit the Philippines also."

"You don't have to say it, Mr. President," Michael chuckled. Of course he is aware that sometimes the United States used people to further their self-interest. It is just that their interests align and so they have to work together. After all, there is no such thing as friends or foes, only interest.

***

March 25th, 2029

The next day, the team was back at the testing site, eager to push the Weather Manipulation Satellite further. The Nevada desert's morning sun glistened over the frozen landscape created the day before.

"Good morning, everyone," Michael greeted his team, the excitement evident in his voice. "Today, we will test a range of extreme weather conditions. Let's see what this satellite can truly do."

Dr. Martinez nodded in agreement. "We'll start with a hurricane simulation. Everyone, take your positions."

The team quickly settled into their roles, adjusting the satellite's settings. The monitors displayed the targeted area, and the satellite positioned itself in orbit above it.

"All systems are green," reported the lead engineer. "Ready to initiate hurricane simulation."

"Do it," Michael ordered.

The satellite's high-energy laser arrays and particle dispersal systems activated once again. This time, they created the conditions necessary to simulate a hurricane. Wind speeds began to increase rapidly, whipping up dust and debris. The monitors showed atmospheric pressure changes, replicating the early stages of a hurricane.

"Wind speeds are reaching hurricane levels," a technician announced, eyes glued to the data.

Outside, the team felt the growing power of the wind. The air roared with intensity as the simulated hurricane gained strength. The ground trembled, and the environment became a chaotic swirl of sand and force.

"Maximum wind speeds achieved," Dr. Martinez confirmed. "The satellite is maintaining control."

"Amazing. Let's move on to the cold front simulation."

The team readjusted the satellite's parameters for the next test. The targeted area shifted, and the satellite prepared to create a cold front.

"Initiating cold front simulation," the lead engineer announced.

The temperature readings on the monitors began to drop once more. The icy blue beam descended from the satellite, generating a cold front. Frost and ice spread across the ground, and the air grew frigid again.

"Temperature drop confirmed," Dr. Martinez said. "The cold front is forming as expected."

The transformation was swift. The desert's heat was replaced by a biting cold, creating a new frozen landscape adjacent to yesterday's ice age simulation.

"Cold front simulation successful," a technician announced. "Proceeding with the intense heat simulation?"

"Yes, let's see how the satellite handles extreme heat," Michael instructed.

The satellite's settings were adjusted once more. The high-energy lasers targeted the new area, and the monitors showed a rapid increase in temperature.

"Temperature rising," a technician reported. "Heat wave simulation in progress."

The air became heavy with heat, and the ground shimmered. The intense heat wave created an environment reminiscent of the hottest days in the desert.

"Maximum temperature achieved," Dr. Martinez confirmed. "The satellite is handling the heat simulation perfectly."

Michael watched the data streams, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "We've proven the satellite can handle extreme weather conditions. Let's document everything and prepare a comprehensive report."