The CEO of the subsidiary Pegasus Automobile , the one who had originally proposed the acquisition, began the presentation.
“The target company, Hello World Micro Systems, started as a small engineering startup before becoming one of the most promising chip designers in the sector,” she said.
The slide changed.
“And we need to take this opportunity to expand autonomous driving in our vehicles.”
She continued confidently.
“These chips are optimized for extremely fast data interpretation. Autonomous vehicles require systems capable of processing sensor data, traffic signals, and obstacle detection in milliseconds. HWMS technology could significantly improve the decision speed and safety margins of autonomous driving platforms.”
Slides appeared one after another.
AI Infrastructure Expansion
Smart City Infrastructure
“In the next decade, cities will rely increasingly on interconnected systems. Traffic management, public safety networks, environmental monitoring systems… all require efficient distributed computing. HWMS processors can operate efficiently within such networks while maintaining lower power consumption.”
Valerie felt drowsy. Her eyes fought to remain open while her face remained perfectly neutral.
The presenters moved through slide after slide. Directors asked questions. Operational details were clarified. Competitors were mentioned. The conversation drifted between market strategy and technological implementation.
Then a word cut through Valerie’s haze.
“Military.”
Her eyes opened fully.
The presenter continued, unaware she had just awakened a sharp mind opposed to any of her points.
“The chips also have potential military applications. Autonomous military drones, missile guidance systems, satellite targeting systems, electronic warfare platforms…”
Questions erupted from around the table.
After the M&A team concluded their presentation, the financial report followed.
Revenue projections were discussed.
Capital requirements outlined.
Then the legal overview was delivered.
Risk exposure was summarized.
Across the table, the chairman prepared to speak, clearly intending to move directly toward a vote.
Valerie straightened slightly and spoke first.
“It sounds like a normal AI technology acquisition,” she said calmly. “But internally it could shift military power. This exposes the company to political risk, ethical concerns, potential sanctions, and serious reputational damage.”
The chairman paused. For a moment, irritation flickered across his face.
“Perhaps you were not attentive earlier,” he replied coolly. “HWMS clearly stated they are still researching the military applications of these chips. Nothing has been confirmed with defense partners.”
He leaned forward slightly.
“That is precisely why we must move quickly.”
He continued with measured confidence.
“We are not the first corporation to enter the defense sector. Yes, it may create some controversy. But it also serves national interests. Government contracts alone could justify the acquisition.”
He glanced briefly toward the legal team.
One of the lawyers stood.
“The legal department has outlined the risks. Compliance risk. Sanctions risk. Reputational risk. However, these risks are typical in emerging AI industries.”
He adjusted his glasses.
“The company intends to focus primarily on autonomous driving technology. Expansion into other sectors would occur gradually and strategically.”
Directors began murmuring among themselves.
Valerie let out a small, humorless breath.
“So you are framing this as a strategic necessity,” she said. “And a matter of national interest.”
She opened the message Lukas had just sent to her tablet.
Her eyes scanned it once. Then she looked back up at the chairman.
“Mr. Chairman,” she said evenly, “I understand your role involves guiding long term strategy. But it also requires ensuring the company follows legal and ethical standards.”
Her gaze moved slowly across the board members.
“You are responsible for monitoring risk and compliance. Which means the board should have the full picture of the target company before a vote begins.”
Brian Miller, the chairman, sighed loudly.
“I believe everyone here understands their responsibilities,” he said. “Including you, Valerie.”
His voice hardened slightly.
“As Chief Executive Officer, your role is executing the strategy approved by the board. It is not particularly complicated.”
Valerie tilted her head slightly.
“I suppose you were very focused on finding a CEO who matched your standards,” she replied calmly. “Perhaps so focused that you never read the full job description.”
A few directors shifted in their seats.
“As a shareholder,” she continued, “I feel obligated to ask whether you have recently reviewed the company’s founding values.”
One of the older directors spoke.
“The late chairman often repeated the founder’s position,” he said slowly. “This company would never enter the military weapons industry.”
He folded his hands.
“We contribute enough through our medical divisions.”
The vice chairman spoke next.
“My grandfather described the horrors of war often,” he said quietly. “The founder made it clear. Our group would not profit from weapons.”
Brian looked at his son in disbelief.
“So defending our country is wrong now?” he said sharply.
His gaze swept the room.
“You sit here in comfort discussing the morality of war. None of you are the ones facing real threats.”
A younger director gave a short laugh.
“Many wars have been justified under the banner of defense,” he said coldly. “History shows how easily that argument becomes a shield for atrocities.”
Another director nodded.
“Just months ago we sent medical aid and donations to civilians in a war zone,” she said. “You personally visited the region, Mr. Chairman.”
She leaned forward.
“If we reverse our position now, our reputation will suffer enormously.”
Voices rose across the table.
Directors argued. Accusations flew. Fingers pointed.
The room dissolved into chaos.
Valerie quietly reviewed the documents Lukas had sent.
Analysts along the walls exchanged uncertain looks.
Finally Brian leaned toward the microphone.
“Enough,” he said sharply. “We are not here to debate political philosophy.”
The room quieted. Only whispers remained.
Valerie slowly twisted the bottle of water in front of her and took a sip.
“I represent this company publicly,” she said. “How exactly should I explain to our employees, shareholders, and the public that after more than a century of avoiding violence, we have suddenly changed course?”
Lin, the CEO of Pegasus Automobile, spoke carefully.
“We could simply abandon the military research,” she suggested. “Focus entirely on AI infrastructure and autonomous driving. If we delay, competitors may acquire the technology first.”
Valerie tapped her tablet.
The screens at both ends of the room changed.
A document appeared.
“I’m afraid that option may no longer exist,” she said calmly.
She looked directly at the chairman.
“The architecture of some chips is optimized for guidance systems and real time battlefield processing.”
The room fell silent.
“HWMS failed to disclose that this research is already in its final stages,” she continued. “They have also been in contact with military organizations for some time.”
Brian froze. His eyes locked onto hers.
A director two seats away spoke cautiously.
“Could we acquire only the technology?”
Valerie folded her hands.
“Several areas of due diligence remain incomplete,” she said. “Including beneficial ownership verification and regulatory exposure.
She paused.
“I recommend postponing the vote until those reviews are finished.”
Her gaze lingered on the chairman.
“We would not want a scandal involving conflicts of interest.”
One by one, the directors nodded.
The board formally requested a postponement.
The meeting ended without a vote.