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Chapter 141: The Energy Industry
🕑 Added 2025-01-07 12:54:49 +0000 UTC"...So you plan to subjugate them?" The moment Hugh Jones spoke, Josh could already guess his intentions.
In Marvel Universe, vampires didn't have the hierarchy of titles found in novels—no dukes, counts, or knights. Most of those were either their human titles or just covers and had nothing to do with their level of power.
In fact, there wasn't even a clear system for classifying strength.
The only general rule was that older vampires tended to be more powerful. However, turned vampires with outside help weren't completely incapable of killing ancient progenitor-level vampires.
So, as a newly turned vampire, Hugh Jones' ambition to take control of America's other vampires, including some older ones, wasn't entirely unrealistic.
In fact, with enough firepower, it wasn't impossible to get someone like Dracula, the primogenitor of all vampires, to work for you.
"Exactly. After learning more, I discovered that the vampire clans in America have considerable influence. They've been hiding among us all this time. This is a formidable force, but as you know, my abilities and resources are limited. That's why I need your help—sell me some of those Tesla Troopers. Of course, if you're willing to sell me the technology, that would be even better! Hugh Jones admitted frankly.
"I don't quite understand. While ultraviolet light is indeed the best weapon against vampires, creating artificial UV light isn't a particularly advanced technology. With Roxxon's industrial capabilities, surely you don't need to buy Tesla Troopers from me?" Josh frowned slightly.
While in Europe, Josh and Hugh had tested some lower-level vampires.
Among non-supernatural substances, garlic extract and silver could harm vampires to some degree, but they weren't guaranteed to kill them.
For example, silver weapons could only kill vampires with a decisive blow to the head or heart. Simply wounding them wouldn't reduce them to ashes like in the movies.
Similarly, garlic in its natural form only repelled or damaged vampires. Only refined garlic extract had a lethal effect.
As for holy water or crucifixes...well, maybe there were real versions out there, but Josh hadn't come across any yet.
Other chemical poisons could injure vampires, but their side effects often posed risks to the user.
After much testing, UV light proved to be the most effective weapon against vampires—at least against normal ones.
Artificial UV light had been around since the early 20th century, but it wasn't cutting edge by the standards of the time. Josh found it hard to believe that Roxxon couldn't develop such devices.
"You're right, but these vampires aren't primitive. They can use weapons and explosives. Once they discover that my people are using UV devices, they'll prioritize destroying them. Besides, without fixed power sources, my incompetent team hasn't managed to create batteries capable of sustaining high-power UV lamps." Hugh Jones sighed helplessly.
Now Josh understood. It wasn't about the defensive capabilities of the UV devices—it was just an excuse.
Hugh Jones was interested in the battery technology used in the Tesla Trooper's battle armor.
The Tesla Trooper's armor relied on exceptionally advanced batteries, nothing like the Arc Reactor, but far superior to even the 21st century battery technology of Josh's previous world. In this era, it was undoubtedly high-end technology.
Even more intriguing was the addition of the "regenerative feedback current loop", unique to the Soviet faction of the Red Alert universe.
Red Alert players would recognize the Soviets' power plants as Tesla reactors.
However, these Tesla reactors were not traditional generators, but massive batteries. Their distinguishing feature was a regenerative feedback loop that generated new current from the discharge voltage.
In simple terms, it allowed electricity to generate electricity.
Of course, the new currents were significantly weaker than the originals, so it wasn't perpetual motion and didn't violate the laws of energy conservation. However, it did improve the efficiency of energy use by 30-40%, significantly reducing power costs and effectively extending battery life by the same margin.
Frankly, that single feature alone was revolutionary.
Energy is a very high profit industry, and increasing efficiency by 30-40% essentially meant increasing profits by the same amount.
"So it's my battery technology you want! My friend, Roxxon is also in the energy business—you must understand the immense profits involved!" Josh said with a grin.
Whether it was the advanced battery or the regenerative feedback current loop technology, either one could revolutionize the global energy industry. Did Roxxon really think they could just take it?
"Of course I understand. But developing a new technology requires enormous investment and faces countless obstacles, doesn't it? However, with a strong partner already in place, things would be different," Hugh Jones replied confidently with a smile.
"Heh... So you think you've got me cornered?" Josh scoffed. The problems Hugh mentioned were real, but they didn't concern him now.
"No, no, don't misunderstand me. This is not a threat. I believe the terms I'm offering will satisfy you," Hugh Jones shook his head slightly.
"Oh? Let's hear them," Josh said, his curiosity piqued.
"Fifteen percent of the shares of Roxxon Energy Corporation!" Hugh Jones named his price.
Josh was genuinely shocked—this offer was beyond his expectations.
While it was only stock in Roxxon Energy Corporation, and not Roxxon Corporation as a whole—a subtle but significant distinction—Roxxon Energy was the crown jewel.
It included all of Roxxon's oil, coal, gas stations, power plants, and related supply chains, controlling 40% of America's energy-related industries.
And 15% of such a behemoth was no small number.
The energy industry wasn't just any industry—it required managing countless interconnections. Even in the so-called free-market United States, the rules were no different.
Starting his own energy company would make it nearly impossible for Josh to maintain more than 50% ownership through standard means. As for full ownership? That might require the outright conquest of the United States.
Even with advanced battery technology, trading it for 15% of Roxxon Energy was a bargain—after all, it was just battery technology, not a resource or a method of power generation.
Besides, Josh currently lacked the resources and focus to invest heavily in the energy sector.
However, when the regenerative feedback loop technology was included, 15% seemed far too low.
"Not enough," Josh said, shaking his head.
"Josh, don't be too greedy," Hugh Jones frowned at the rejection.
"It's not greed. It's because there's another piece of technology involved," Josh replied, introducing the regenerative feedback circuit.
"Ah, I see. In that case, 15% is indeed insufficient," Hugh Jones nodded in recognition. Without hesitation, he adjusted his offer. "Then let's make it 30%!"
"A very fair price. I can find no reason to refuse. But if I'm not mistaken, you don't personally own 30% of Roxxon Energy, do you?" Josh asked with a smile.
While Hugh Jones was a member of Roxxon's founding family and its current leader, as mentioned earlier, no single family or individual could dominate a vital national industry like energy—unless they were the rulers of the nation themselves.
Thus, the Jones family's total stake in Roxxon Energy didn't reach 50%, and Hugh Jones' personal stake was even smaller.
"True, I don't own that much myself. But I can convince the other shareholders to contribute their shares to reach the 30%," Hugh Jones said confidently.
"Then there's no problem. Pleasure doing business with you," Josh said, extending his hand. He shook Hugh Jones' cold hand, sealing the deal.
...
After Hugh Jones left, there were no more visitors.
Looking at the evening sky, Josh decided to drive to Brooklyn to visit another old friend.
(A/N: Note: All content is based on personal understanding of the energy industry. Please forgive any inaccuracies.)
(TL/N: For those who don't know, TL/N means Translator Note while A/N means Author Note.)
