Chapter 417: Relocation
Meanwhile, at Stark Industries...
Ethan had just finished signing a paper document before handing it to Valerie. "Take this downstairs and have them get started on it."
Valerie nodded and took the document before turning towards the exit. She had only taken a few steps when Nathan entered, which immediately stopped in surprise.
However, she lowered her head respectfully before continuing on her way.
Nathan returned the gesture with a nod as well, before stepping further into the office.
Ethan glanced at him briefly before returning his attention to the paperwork on his desk. "It might be a bit too late if you’ve come to take the company back?" he said jokingly. "We’re already today."
Nathan smiled and said. "No, no.... it’s not that"
He paused before adding, "I met Bernadette."
Ethan stopped writing, then looked up at his father and smiled a bit. There was no further explanation necessary at this time as they both understood what this meant; Nathan had agreed to go along with his son’s plans.
Ethan finished signing the document before placing his quill pen down and standing. "Well, old man, I’m not sure how much chatting I have in me right now. Like I said, we’re moving the company today."
Then he walked towards the door before stopping and looking back. "You coming?"
Nathan nodded and with that, they left the office together.
They came out of the company’s building into an open space that had become a hive of activity.
Workers were moving through the compound carrying equipment, crates and various components while others coordinated the loading of aircraft parts. Large engines, metal frameworks, navigation equipment and other specialized components were being transported towards the loading platform.
It was then that Ethan glanced towards him and immediately noticed his appearance. "Nice disguise."
Nathan nodded. His long hair had been tied back, while a large top hat had been placed over it. Additionally, he wore a pair of transparent glasses, completely altering his usual appearance.
It was an effective disguise.
Even the older workers who might have remembered Nathan from years ago would have had difficulty recognizing him. Too much time had passed, and the Nathan they remembered had never looked anything like this, especially with the longer hair
It went quiet again between them as they stared at some of the company’s airships and airplane ascending from their docking platforms, carrying workers and cargo towards the new location.
Nathan seemed particular dazed at the sight of the airplanes. "How did anyone come up with an airship design like that?"
It was his first time seeing one and so he assumed it was an airship. He also assumed the company had outsourced for an outside magi-engineer who came up with the design.
Ethan then replied. "I was wondering when you’d ask."
Nathan turned towards him. "It was you?"
Ethan nodded. "I came up with the design."
Nathan looked at the aircraft again, visibly impressed. "Interesting. I would’ve never thought of making an airship look like that."
Ethan immediately shook his head. "And no. That’s not an airship... It’s an airplane."
"An airplane?" Nathan repeated.
"Yep." Ethan affirmed, then pointed towards the aircraft as he began explaining how different they both were when it came to their systems.
Nathan listened carefully as Ethan continued explaining the principles behind the design and the immense amount of mechanical power required to drive its engines.
His father’s expression gradually became one of genuine interest.
"So that’s how it stays in the air..." Nathan murmured.
"Exactly." Ethan said.
Nathan nodded slowly, then looked back towards the aircraft with renewed appreciation.
However, something else caught his attention; it was a figure that suddenly flew overhead before descending towards one of the loading platforms.
Nathan’s eyes followed the movement of the man as he man landed. The mechanical armour covering his entire body emitted a low hum as the various components adjusted themselves.
Nathan stared. "What is that?"
Ethan followed his gaze. "That? That’s an assault suit."
Nathan turned him. "An assault suit?"
Ethan nodded. "It’s basically a combat exosuit. It enhances the wearer’s strength and mobility while providing protection and integrated weapons. The flight system lets them operate in the air as well."
Nathan continued watching the armoured figure. "And stark industries make those too?"
"Yeah. We manufacture them here." Ethan gestured towards the facility. "But we only sell them to the military. Most of our current production is being made for the King."
"Interesting." Nathan nodded.
There wasn’t much conversation about the other things after that. Nathan simply took in the improvements that had been made throughout the company over the past decade and more, quietly observing how much Stark Industries had changed since he had last seen it.
Meanwhile, Ethan was constantly moving between different sections, sometimes directing workers with a gesture of his hand, other times walking directly over to where something needed to be done and handling it himself. On several occasions, he even resorted to his Aspect Of Dominion to lift and move equipment that would have required several workers to handle.
The decision to move Stark Industries to Stark City had originally been planned for later in the year, once the new city was fully completed or at least close to completion.
Recent events, however, had forced Ethan to reconsider.
After Dark Nova’s attack and the revelation surrounding Isabella, the Stark family had effectively become a more visible target. People had already targeted the company because of that broadcast, and although that situation had been dealt with, Ethan couldn’t ignore the possibility of similar threats appearing in the future.
Thankfully, the industrial area of Stark City had been completed and was fully operational, so Ethan had decided to move the company’s primary operations immediately.
The Stark Industries facility here would continue to exist, but its purpose would change. Rather than serving as the company’s main development and manufacturing centre, it would become more of a distribution and showcase branch.
A limited selection of finished products would remain available here for customers who were already accustomed to coming to this location, allowing them to purchase Stark Industries’ products directly.