Building The Strongest Family

Chapter 403: Hostage Plan [ 2 ]

The discussion then moved to practicalities, covering factory operations, raw materials, available capacity, satellite logistics, and the Hivemind’s code and encryption protocols designed to secure their supply chains.

Evolon pointed out vulnerabilities without hesitation, highlighting the potential fallout from coordinated international legal challenges and noting that some states might even criminalize their agreements.

It also warned of secret groups aiming to disrupt shipments and stressed that any damage to their reputation could lead to mass departures from their system.

"We have solutions," Evolon affirmed confidently. "We’ve got fallback plans, legal contracts, investments in local infrastructure to make removal politically damaging, media strategies to control the narrative, and reserves."

Nathaniel voiced what others werethinking but didn’t want to say: "This will require significant capital and time. We’ll need to invest upfront and face potential backlash. We might take hits to our reputation at first to secure lasting control in the long run."

Ashley raised her hand again. "How about we find a way to profit from our public image?"

She proposed. "We could host charity events and make appearances; showing humility when it counts will help us earn forgiveness. People tend to let go of grievances faster when they see genuine emotion."

Emily’s face tightened as she replied, "You can’t keep up a front forever. True aid is what really matters; fake compassion won’t last long."

Meanwhile, Evolon remained detached as it outlined a media plan that included staged giveaways, live testimonials from carefully chosen influencers, and a slate of goodwill events synced with product launches, all aimed at turning gratitude into profit.

Arthur carefully watched their reactions, wanting them to see these strategies as part of a bigger picture rather than morally dubious moves.

"Who thinks we should just sit back and do nothing?" he asked, and an oppressive silence settled over the room. "And who is worried about the consequences?" he continued.

Instead of raising his hand, Julian stood tall, his face marked by the weight of past refusals.

"If you make the world reliant on us," he said with conviction, "what happens when you’re no longer here? Will your children inherit chains instead of wealth?"

Arthur responded straightforwardly, "They’ll inherit a world shaped by our choices,chains for some but stability and shelter for many; security for our lineage."

Julian averted his gaze, silently disagreeing. He held back his objections, knowing well how these discussions usually went. He had seen too many men put survival above their principles.

Evolon moved into contingency planning mode. "We will simulate scenarios involving removal, legal bans, and sabotage. Each scenario will help us identify a threshold. If we surpass that threshold, we trigger our defensive measures: notify aligned states, activate emergency agreements, and close off financial channels."

Margaret raised an important question. "How do we guarantee access for the underprivileged? If our duty is to the many, why should we profit at all?"

Arthur was prepared for this line of questioning. "We’ll offer a free first wave," he explained confidently.

"Foundation clinics will receive targeted stock. We’ll fund large campaigns so that most initial treatments seem free. Afterward, we’ll implement a payment system through our channels for follow-ups and additional services. This ’free first wave’ will help us build moral capital and create dependency."

George interjected with a practical concern, "What happens if the world rallies against us?"

Arthur replied honestly, "They’ll try, but they won’t be able to reach a consensus quickly enough. Their infrastructures will be the most affected. Any coalition attempting a quick removal will face massive risks from us, and we’ll ensure that undoing our presence will be more costly than accepting it."

They debated until dawn, discussing contracts and pricing,strategizing to keep prices low enough for broad accessibility while requiring account creation in exchange.

They envisioned school vouchers valid only at Osborn academies and job programs that favored account holders.

They mapped out a subtle legal framework, including emergency procurement clauses, public-private partnerships, and soft laws that would mandate Osborn partners for logistical continuity.

"You’re essentially creating a government within a government," Julian finally remarked.

"We’re creating a family within a system," Nathaniel gently corrected him,a system designed to endure beyond politics; one that people wouldn’t willingly abandon because it would become essential to their everyday lives.

Arthur looked around at his family members, seeking not enthusiasm but consensus. Some nodded, while others remained silent or averted their gazes.

"This isn’t about mercy at no cost," he said with conviction. "It’s about providing safety in exchange for dependency,a straightforward trade-off. If you stand with me, we move ahead; if you disagree, now is the time to speak up."

Margaret gently rested her hand on his for comfort, while Emily anxiously clutched a folded note in her fingers.

Nathaniel returned Arthur’s gaze, a look of quiet confidence reflecting in his eyes,an assurance that he understood how things would unfold.

Meanwhile, Philip and Richard exchanged knowing glances, confirming that funding was indeed secured.

Julian’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as he battled with his emotions, yet he chose to remain silent.

The family’s reactions were mixed, which was to be expected, but most raised their hands in support of the proposed plan. A shared silence was still a form of agreement when it came to taking action.

Evolon diligently documented their choices, noting important phases and setting up communication channels for what was to come.

Gradually, the living room returned to its familiar sounds. Cups sat cooling on the table, chairs creaked softly, and outside, the city continued its rhythmic pulse just beyond the glass.

Arthur watched as everyone gathered around the map that represented the foundation of his vision for their future.

He recognized the weight of responsibility he had placed on them, feeling their uncertainty and understanding the risks that lay ahead.

"We create life," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "In return, we seek reliance."

A heavy silence hung in the air for a moment. The house seemed to breathe as it adjusted to their newfound determination. With the plan solidified, dawn gradually illuminated the room with a steady light.

Outside, the world remained oblivious to the significant decisions made within those walls.

Eventually, they would learn the truth. Some would come together in celebration, while others might express their anger. The family had chosen a path that made them pivotal, and perhaps even vulnerable.

Arthur turned away from the window and stepped into the morning light. It was time to set the machines in motion.

Together, the family would act as one united force. Because of their choice, everything was about to change.