Marvel's Superman

"Communications industry? AT&T has already done it. They have the core technology from Bell Labs. Even if Stark Industries enters, they may not be able to compete."

Howard shook his head repeatedly when he heard Luke's proposal.

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The Department of Defense's contracts were not as good as those of the communications industry.

Moreover, the initial investment was enormous.

Laying cables and building communication systems were all necessary tasks that would take a lot of time and cost.

The most important thing was that Stark Industries had to face the terrifying enemy, Bell Labs.

Even with Howard's critical eye, he had to admit that it was the most extraordinary laboratory in the world.

It may not be as good as the Manhattan Project, where talents and geniuses from all over the world come together.

But it could also be called a pool of talents, which shouldn't be underestimated.

Unlike his son, Howard occasionally sprang up with naïve, idealistic romanticism.

For example, give up the company's main activities, close the weapons manufacturing plant, put on the iron armor as a superhero, and so on.

As a businessman, Howard was very rational.

He wasn't optimistic about Luke's proposal. He thought that the communications field wasn't an excellent choice to expand the industry.

"Don't be in a hurry to answer yet; read my proposal before you say anything."

Luke wouldn't come empty-handed since he wanted Howard to cooperate.

With his super-brain, quick thinking, and previous knowledge of related technologies, he spent several days working out a plan.

Frankly speaking, once Superman used his brain, he could surpass over 90% of the world's geniuses.

It was like turning on the grappling hook and frantically climbing on the technology tree.

In the same 24-hours, Luke seemed to become +1 in intelligence every second.

It was a complex problem to solve. He could get the answer after a few glances.

"Bell Labs is indeed the greatest laboratory on the planet, but this doesn't mean that AT&T could always monopolize the communications industry."

While Howard was reading the plan, Luke explained his thoughts, "You may not have noticed. As more and more people own cars due to the development of the automobile industry, mobile phones are in high demand, and communication is no longer limited to the home. According to my plan, Stark Industries will surely open a new era of mobile communication, and even AT&T, supported by Bell Labs, may not be an opponent!"

Luke certainly knew that AT&T had a trump card, Bell Labs.

There have been eleven Nobel Prize winners in physics, four Turing Awards winners, and sixteen winners of America's highest scientific awards.

Since its establishment has obtained more than 30,000 patents, with an average of one patent per day.

Many critical technologies of computers, televisions, mobile phones, cameras, and the Internet in future generations would come from Bell Labs.

It's no exaggeration to say that it changed the world.

In the original timeline, AT&T relied on Bell Labs to dominate the communications industry for more than 100 years, and it had always been the leader. No one could surpass it.

It's unlikely that the communications empire built by Bell Labs would have collapsed; had it not been for the subsequent anti-monopoly laws that led to the dismantling and dismemberment of the giant.

What Luke wanted to do is to take the lead in bringing the era of mobile communication, but with the help of Stark Industries' power, to easily arrange it.

It would be pervasive in every household, from communications services to the Internet, mobile, and TV.

As long as this business is done, it wouldn't be worse than Stark Industries' businesses.

"Did you do this all by yourself?"

Howard listened and flipped through the plan.

The expression on his face changed, from the first careless to the later serious.

Halfway through, as the most successful weapons tycoon in the country, his breathing became heavy, and his speed of turning the pages became faster and faster.

"Luke. You know. Because of you, for the first time, I feel that God isn't fair!"

Half an hour later, Howard spoke in a complicated tone.

There was a surprise, excitement, and a hint of disbelief in his eyes.

"I've never been jealous of your Superman physique -- except when faced with too many pretty girls and being a little overwhelmed. I've always been proud of my genius brain too, but -- you've refreshed my perception today."

"It's not that you found any novel technology or made some amazing breakthrough. Instead, your vision is completely beyond this era!"

"This plan is like a key to the future 50 years from now!"

Luke shrugged his shoulders and leisurely took in Howard's restless excitement.

He thought that this was only the essential operation of someone traveling worlds. If he wanted to defeat Bell Labs, which was famous in the world, of course, he had to pull up the technological achievements of the same era.

Besides, could a world traverser be regarded as a plagiarizer?

This was only a good advantage, leading the technological innovation in advance.

Luke reassured himself.

"That's not scientific! I don't mean to be rude, but Luke, you didn't even go to college; how did you come up with this?"

Howard gripped the thick project proposal and paced back and forth to calm his mood.

This thick stack of paper simply depicted a blueprint for the future of the communication era!

From the internal integrated chips, precision parts to the core technology of analog signal and frequency diversity, multiple access, even encrypted channels, automatic connection, etc.

Including the establishment of urban communication networks, the development of cellular mobile communication networks in the later period, and mobile phones ...

Such content filled 50 to 60 pages.

The dense and extensive arguments had almost mapped out development for the next 20 or 50 years.

That's why Howard was shocked!

Luke gave him not just one single technological invention but a path forward for the entire industry.

"Did you come back from the future in a time machine?"

Howard took a deep breath and stared at Luke sitting on the sofa to find out the honest answer from the other party.

"Yeah. The future world is fated to be ruled by artificial intelligence. To stop its evil plan to enslave humankind, I lead the resistance to build a time machine and use it to go back to the World War II-era! This is my biggest secret. Don't tell anyone because it may attract danger."

Luke was talking nonsense with an earnest look. Howard's half-believing expression amused him.

"Forget it; only having one genius in this world doesn't make sense. Well, Luke, welcome to the Genius Club; I'll give you credit for that."

After a long time, Howard shook his head and sighed, seemingly somewhat dejected.

Now, even the proudest genius had lost the capital to show off in front of Luke, which was depressing.

"How do you want to collaborate?"

Howard, who had calmed down, began to test Luke's bottom line.

He had no interest in the communications industry and didn't think Stark Industries would beat Bell Labs for the market share of U.S. telephone and telegraph companies.

But things were different now.

With this plan, not to mention taking over the market, Howard was even confident in building a communications empire.

" I'll take 60 % of the shares with the technology. Stark Industries will put in the capital and can take the remaining 30 %, and give the rest away -- the establishment of a mobile communications network must have government support."

Luke didn't beat around the bush and spoke bluntly.

He took a fancy to the substantial financial resources of Stark Industries and the deep foundation behind it.

If the communication industry was to develop, it must have the support of the government.

Although Luke had a place in the military, he was weak in politics.

As long as Stark Industries was in the market, its development wouldn't have any difficulties in the later periods.

"It makes sense." With your proposal, your design, and technology, Stark Industries quickly picked up a bargain."

Howard nodded and agreed to this simple distribution plan.

If there's a change in the terms and conditions, it had to be done later.

"In that case, let's have good cooperation."

Luke smiled and held out his hand, which Howard held tightly.

The two looked at each other with a smile and seemed to see the arrival of a new era.

...

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