The Invention Left By A Little Stark | Book 2

2) The Presentation

The passing of a year is a tricky thing.

Sometimes it can go by in an instant and sometimes it can drag on in the most mundane fashion known to man. There really is no middle ground. In some places it passes faster and in some it takes forever.

The city of San Francisco had its year in a flash. It was always busy. It was a big place after all, not a resort, so it was crowded all the time. Fisherman's Wharf and some other tourist-centric areas were probably a bit more busy, but one doesn't really notice the crowds in the neighborhoods.

It was filled with life.

On one particular late afternoon there were slightly less cars buzzing around. People were hanging out in bars before the weekend and the young adults were going out with their friends.

Overall it had an almost calm vibe.

However, the main focus would have to be great big headquarters in the middle of the concrete jungle. Suits and egos and not a smile that wasn't painted on.

Cross Tech.

The interns had been dismissed already, the day employees were skipping off home after a grueling day, and the only signs of life were the patrolling security guards practically armed to the teeth.

Only one man was moving around inside the entire building. That was in the presentation room.

CEO, Darren Cross.

He was clicking through a video, explaining his latest innovative design while on a hologram call with several others. In the center of the room was a microscopic super suit.

"Well, I was inspired by the legend of the Ant Man." He was explaining to the call party. "And with my breakthrough shrinking inorganic material I thought 'could it be possible to shrink a person? Could that be done?' Well... It's not a legend anymore."

His entire face was lit up and he looked positively ecstatic at his own apparent brilliance.

Since he was alone in the room, he had no choice but to observe the holograms for a reaction. Some seemed hesitant, some seemed intrigued, and some simply just looked like they would rather be anywhere else but there.

"Distinguished guests, I am proud to present the end of warfare as we know it." He stepped to the side to reveal the tiny suit inside its container. "The Yellowjacket."

The front screen of the container zoomed in to allow the conference better viewing. It was intricate and seemed flawless, yellow with black accents. It resembled a wasp or a bee, especially with the extra pairs of mechanical arms sticking out of the back.

"The Yellowjacket is an all-purpose weapon of war, capable of altering the size of the wearer for the ultimate combat advantage."

Cross pressed the clicker in his hand and a new video began to play in the background with a narrator.

"We live in an era in which the weapons we use to protect ourselves are undermined by constant surveillance. It's time to return to a simpler age, one where the powers of freedom can once again operate openly to protect their interests. An all-purpose peacekeeping vessel - the Yellowjacket - can manage any conflict on the geopolitical landscape completely unseen."

The video began to show examples of the suit's capabilities, from shrinking to avoid weapon fire and lifting incredible weights to incredible surveillance and sneaking through locks and crevices anonymously.

"Efficient in both preventative measures and tactical assault, practical applications include surveillance, industrial sabotage, and the elimination of obstructions on the road to peace. A single Yellowjacket offers the user unlimited influence to carry out the protective actions. And one day soon, an army of Yellowjackets will create a sustainable environment of well-being around the world. The Yellowjacket."