Umbrella Chapter 5 - The Presentation (Patreon)

The lobby of the Continental Hotel was luxurious, probably as luxurious as it could get, with several people in the lobby drinking and smoking, all of them being assassins of the Continental.

Alexander was accompanied by Goro Takemura, who had his hand on the katana strapped to his side all the time, together with four guards who were wearing suits and long coats, all of bullet-proof designs. 

Even he was wearing the same clothes as them.

That was something that he learned right after his transmigration, that this world was technologically more advanced than the Earth he was born in his first life.

"Welcome to the Continental. How may I help you?"

Behind the reception was a tall bald black man who acted as the Hotel Concierge of the Continental Hotel.

Alexander took out the metal case and, from there here, presented the Token to the Hotel Concierge. 

"The best room you have plus accommodation for forty people of my armored escort and everything they may need."

He observed the face of the Hotel Concierge, whose face showed a slight surprise seeing such a Token because they were exceedingly rare and even rarer they were used.

"Of course, Sir. Everything shall be arranged within ten minutes; please wait in the lobby until your room is prepared."

That was faster than he expected.

"Thank you."

When Alexander stated his thanks, he sat down on the leather sofa not far from the reception, surrounded by his bodyguards, who were watching every single movement of the assassins within the Continental Hotel's lobby.

It was well known that killing was forbidden on the premises of the Continental, not to mention that many of the assassins caught the attention and respect that was given to Alexander when he presented the Token of the High Table.

They knew that offending people who were closely affiliated with the High Table was a death sentence in mere minutes. They were aware the moment they tried to do anything, the High Table won't spare any resources to kill them.

Attacking someone who was closely affiliated with the High Table was a direct challenge to the authority of the High Table, which was obviously something completely unacceptable.

"You seem nostalgic..."

Alex remarked when he saw the expression of his bodyguard, who was looking around the Continental Hotel.

"Many would consider being in this kind of environment as the worst part of their lives, but for me, it was actually one of the best... Coming from a poor background, with zero prospects of life, it gave me a chance to start a new life, a better life."

Alex didn't really say anything, as he just pondered over the words before the hotel staff came and led them to his suite. 

***

Several Days Later, Fort Drum

The day of the presentation of the weapons took place at Fort Drum, where the military base of the US Army was under the command of General Peter Randall, one of the most prominent members of the war hawk factions within the US Army.

Though right now, not only Randall was present, but a whole bunch of high-ranking generals of the US Military and High Command of the US Army were present. Alexander even saw a few of the people from the other departments of the US Military, there were also two Admirals of Navy and three Generals from the Air Force.

"Gentleman, thank you for allowing me this presentation, which is the first step in the complete military revolution in the world and measurement of the military supremacy of the United States of America."

Something that Alexader was probably more proficient in than science was giving speeches and convincing people.

"This is the fully functioning prototype of the M-179e Achilles Gauss Rifle."

The weapon that was presented to the audience had a sleek design and was something that was created by Alexander and Dr. Catherine Halsey in matters of the week. Both of them were era-changing geniuses, so figuring out something like a basic version of the Gauss Rifle wasn't anything difficult.

Alexander knew that many people with genius-level intellect in, for example, Marvel, wouldn't need even a few days to figure such a thing. 

"The thing that was just a work of fiction now becomes a reality. A weapon that utilized a series of electromagnetic coils to energize and magnetize preloaded projectile rounds to fire at tremendous and deadly speeds."

As he said that, he could see that many people were looking at the weapon in wonder, especially General Randall, who had the typical appearance of a gruff-looking man with short white hair and a stern expression on his face all the time.

"Can we test it?"

One of the Generals asked as the other anticipated the test.

"Of course."

Alex stated as he passed the weapon to Goro Takemura who assumed the firing stance.

"On your order General."

Goro Takemura said as he looked at General Randall, who was standing close to him, as the Range Master of the Firing Range gave the green.

"Range is clear!"

The Range Master announced after giving it one last look, just in case, because the Gauss Rifles were supposed to be highly destructive weapons... at least in theory, so everyone was interested in how they would work.

"Which first?"

Goro looked at several set-up targets on the firing range.

"Ballistic gel dummy to the right."

Alex's personal bodyguard nodded.

"Open fire."

Ranger Master barked as a loud sound echoed through the firing range, and everyone could see the head of the ballistic gel dummy's head explode into a mess.

"Armored target with kevlar armoring."

The Range Master shocked by the penetrative power of the M-179e Achilles Gauss Rifle then shouted again, as this time Goro Takemura fired a few shots at the ballistic gel dummy that was covered by the kevlar plating.

To the shock of everyone present, the M-179e Achilles Gauss Rifle destroyed the kevlar plating like it wasn't there in the first place, skewering the entire ballistic gel dummy through and through.

"Target three: concrete block."

The last target was one huge thick block of concrete with steel, so they could grasp the limits of the power.

"Requesting allowance to use the rapid-fire, Sir."

Goro Takemura looked at General Randall, who seemed like he fell in love with the M-179e Achilles Gauss Rifle, as he nodded his head in agreement. The second he saw General Randall agreeing to it, Goro started firing from the M-179e Achilles Gauss Rifle.

To the shock of everyone present, the M-179e Achilles Gauss Rifle was destroying the huge concrete block apart; when Goro stopped shooting as he was out of ammunition, the concrete block was entirely destroyed, with several chunks clearly missing, and the steel rods clearly visible and destroyed as well.

"It seems that we can conclude that this is indeed breaking technology. I can speak for all when I say that the United States would like to procure the exclusive contract for this type of weapon and depending on the next course of actions, we hope the Umbrella Corporation would become the exclusive contractor to the Department of Defense."

The sole person who was wearing a black suit, hiding behind the crowd, spoke for the first time. Alexander recognized the man as Secretary Danver, who was right now head of the Department of Defense.

"Umbrella would be delighted to..."

Alexander knew that with his connections, it was easy to sell weapons all across the world, but at the same time, this approach was rather dangerous because, due to the political situation, he essentially needed to choose a side.

A a person who had most of his assets in the USA, especially his investments in the US companies and in other states of NATO, he knew that if he was chummy yummy with the states that were in not a good relationship with the USA or were hostile to the USA, it would be highly dangerous for him.

Not to mention, the amount of money that the USA was investing into the military each year was staggering. 

Just this year, the Department of Defense got more than five hundred billion dollars alone.