Smith continued, "Here's another application. The scouter can function as a screening tool for soldier."
He gestured broadly. "Not everyone with abundant bioenergy has properly developed their potential. With the scouter, we can easily identify soldiers with exceptional potential and focus training resources on them."
The eyes of various department representatives lit up immediately. The scouter detected bioenergy. Before breaking human limits, higher bioenergy meant greater potential. Proper training could convert that potential into actual combat capability.
High-potential individuals were easier to cultivate and more likely to break through their limits.
General Ross's mind raced. High-potential candidates for super soldier experiments would have better success rates. This device could revolutionize recruitment.
While others maintained composure, Nick Fury felt genuine alarm. His thoughts turned immediately to the Skrulls. If the device measured bioenergy, the Skrulls' readings would definitely exceed ordinary humans, possibly even surpass human limits. After all, they possessed shapeshifting abilities that required substantial bioenergy.
He refused to believe Skrulls had lower bioenergy than baseline humans. Once this device became widespread, wouldn't the Skrulls be exposed?
Tony raised his hand. "Does it only work on living things?"
Smith nodded. "Correct. Only living organisms. Large animals can be detected as well. But items like your armor or conventional weapons aren't within scope."
Tony smiled, relieved. No one would know his true combat power when suited up. A slight smirk crossed his face. "Smith, scan me. Let's see my power level."
Smith didn't hesitate, activating the scouter and locking onto Tony in the audience. The number 4.5 appeared on the massive screen.
Stunned silence filled the theatre. Tony's physical fitness was worse than an average person's?
Smiles and suppressed laughter rippled through the crowd.
Rhodes leaned over, grinning. "Tony, looks like you need to cut back on the partying. No more magazine cover models. Time to hit the gym."
Tony stared at the number in disbelief. How could his physical fitness be below average?
Seeing Tony's confusion, Smith glanced meaningfully at Tony's chest. Tony's hand moved instinctively to the arc reactor. Of course. The device measured bioenergy, and the reactor was slowly poisoning him, degrading his body.
The only reason he registered 4.5 was because Tony's baseline fitness had been excellent before the reactor. Someone else in his condition might read as 3.
Smith kept the observation to himself, but internally noted that Tony was currently weaker than an untrained civilian.
General Ross leaned forward. "Smith, this device you've developed is fascinating. What's the price point?"
Ross showed considerable interest. The scouter could screen soldiers and detect special individuals. He understood superpowered people existed, and he was actively creating super soldiers.
Smith met his gaze steadily. "Five million dollars per unit."
Ross didn't flinch at the price. If the remote communication function performed as advertised, achieving truly global unimpeded communication, the price was actually cost-effective. The question was whether the technology could be transplanted to other equipment.
"The price is reasonable. I'll order 10 units for initial testing. If results are satisfactory, the military will increase purchases substantially."
Smith wasn't surprised Ross started conservatively. Though not a massive order, it was an excellent beginning. "Fox, record that."
Following Ross's lead, various departments placed orders. However, lacking firsthand experience with the product and needing testing periods, plus budget constraints, order quantities remained modest. Five to ten units per organization. Colonel Rhodes, representing the well-funded Air Force, ordered only one unit to bring back for committee discussion.
Even Tony ordered 10 units as a show of support. The military-industrial contractors present showed keen interest in reverse-engineering the technology, each ordering 3 units for research purposes.
Within minutes, 200 scouters had been ordered, totaling one billion dollars in sales.
Nick Fury spoke up suddenly. "How many units do you have available? If inventory is limited, S.H.I.E.L.D. will purchase the entire remaining stock."
Surprised murmurs filled the room. They hadn't expected such an aggressive move.
Fury planned to monopolize production capacity, then negotiate with Smith about restricting sales to exclusive supply contracts. The $5 million price point was too high for large-scale deployment anyway.
Smith felt genuine delight but kept his expression neutral. "We have 30,000 units in first-phase inventory. Director Fury, are you certain you want them all?"
He paused deliberately. "At full production capacity, we can manufacture 30,000 units monthly, possibly more."
Fury froze. He'd assumed Smith's products weren't yet mass-produced. He hadn't expected 30,000 units already in stock.
One hundred and fifty billion dollars. S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't have that kind of discretionary budget. If he somehow produced that amount, he'd face immediate resignation, and others would definitely suspect corruption and collusion.
And 30,000 units per month production? Wasn't Smith afraid he couldn't sell them?
"I spoke too loudly." Fury's expression remained impassive despite the setback. "S.H.I.E.L.D. will order 30 units as support."
Squeezing $150 million from various budget lines was manageable.
When they heard S.H.I.E.L.D. had reduced from "entire inventory" to a mere 30 units, laughter erupted throughout the theatre. Fury's already dark expression grew darker still.
A reporter seized the opportunity. "Mr. Smith, although $5 million is substantial and beyond ordinary people's means, it's affordable for the wealthy. Is the scouter military equipment only, or will you sell to private citizens?"
Nick Fury's attention sharpened, waiting for Smith's answer.
"The scouter is available to all individuals and organizations worldwide."
Smith's voice carried clearly through the theatre. "As long as you want to purchase one and have the funds, you can buy it."
Fury's frown deepened slightly. At least the $5 million price point prevented widespread adoption in the short term. He'd need a private conversation with Smith after this event.
Simultaneously, another thought crossed his mind. With so many witnesses present, and him being S.H.I.E.L.D. Director, Smith wouldn't dare attack him. Right?
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