[Chapter 155: Thunder Guards]
The next day, Linton had Winnie handle the transfer and renaming paperwork for the farm with the agency team, injecting the first capital of $10 million into the farm. He personally, accompanied by bodyguards Danny and David and guided by Tock, conducted a thorough reconnaissance of the farm.
They spent a full three days surveying the terrain and topography, giving Linton a detailed plan for the Thunderstorm Protection Array's layout. He was ready to draft specific construction blueprints and list material requirements once back.
This was merely a lightning protection system. No matter how large the distribution range was, it was a piece of cake for him with his abilities.
Linton planned to calculate material quantities and construction effort next, seek cooperation from capable contractors, negotiate prices, and finalize contracts to ensure construction would start mid-September and complete by late November.
Of course, to guarantee the array's effectiveness during the crucial period, he would personally oversee the site in November.
...
After scouting the array layout, Linton, Danny, and David moved to the farm's western hilly region.
"I'm planning to designate a thousand acres here to build a security base. What do you think?"
"Boss, a thousand acres is huge. How large a unit are you thinking of assembling?"
"The first phase aims to establish a 200-person elite military force, modeled after the Marine Corps. Beyond training here, they'll rotate to Africa for mercenary missions, gaining combat baptism to ensure absolute fighting capability."
"The space is ample, but how will we solve the weaponry and equipment issues?"
"Once back in Los Angeles, I intend to start a security firm. Running it under that name allows us to legally purchase most weapons. For the latest or regulated weapons, we'll figure out strategies gradually."
"That sounds feasible. Security companies can indeed acquire sufficient arms. However, recruiting personnel, base renovation, and weapon purchases will require huge funds."
"Money's no object. I'll handle funding. Which of you two is interested in managing this?"
After nearly two years of testing, Linton trusted both their loyalty. Both had served as junior officers before their transition and possessed strong military skills. Managing a small military base was within their capabilities.
"I'll take it. I miss the military life more than this comfortable existence," David volunteered.
"Good, it's yours. You'll be the commander of this unit. Your salary increases by 50% immediately."
"Boss, can I have Sandy and the others too?"
"No problem. When back in L.A., pick whoever fits. If they're willing, I'll transfer them all to you with a 30% pay raise. You'll form a compact elite force with you as the core."
"Thanks, boss! I'll build an elite, fiercely loyal team with absolute combat readiness."
"I'm naming this unit the Thunder Guards. I want its combat prowess to be as formidable as thunder, ruthless and relentless in battle."
"Understood. We'll honor the Thunder Guards' glory and mission."
"But remember, loyalty is paramount -- absolute loyalty to me and the Anderson family."
"Understood, boss. Absolute loyalty to you and the Anderson family."
"We'll stay here a few more days. Danny, coordinate with David to survey the terrain, confirm the base location, and draft construction plans and preliminary budget."
...
After finalizing farm legalities, Goodman and Henry returned to L.A., while Winnie stayed to accompany Linton.
Apart from occasional discussions about the military base with David, Linton enjoyed peaceful moments with Winnie on the farm. Winnie held special significance to Linton.
They respected farm operations, didn't need Tock's accompaniment, spent days exploring the boundless vibrant farm, naturally feeling exhilarated and fulfilled.
Nights were filled with joyful exchanges and sweet melodies that echoed over the villa.
...
Three more days passed. David and Danny confirmed the military base's location near the Rocky Mountains' foothills on the farm's western edge, naming it Thunder Base.
They secured roughly a thousand acres, set boundaries, sketched detailed topographic maps, and planned a private 10-kilometer road linking to the interstate.
Linton informed Tock that from then on, farm workers were prohibited from entering or interfering with this zone.
They intended to discuss detailed construction plans with Sandy, Hayden, and Gully back in L.A. to ensure thoroughness.
---
It had been a week since Linton left, with Robert continuing intense negotiations with the Weinstein brothers. The film The Shallows was currently a hit, but the tax season was near. It was time to return.
By the way, U.S. cellular coverage was poor. Carriers cared only about profits, not universal service. His phone had signal only in Parker County. Out at the farm, it was dead, essentially useless.
Communication relied solely on the villa's landline. The assistant stayed close to the villa, not daring to go out, thankfully with no emergencies.
...
The Shallows performed well at the box office.
Opening day grossed $6.06 million.
Saturday brought $6.73 million.
Sunday $6.27 million.
The three-day opening weekend totaled $19.06 million, topping weekend charts. Though the gross wasn't huge, it accounted for 40% of the market during the typically slow April season.
Second place was last week's release, Indecent Proposal, with $12.53 million.
Third was Fit to Kill, also opening that day, with $7.64 million.
Not in the same league. Starting Monday, major chains expanded screenings to 3,000 theaters and over 6,000 screens.
Universal quickly added $2 million in promotion funding.
...
Media reviews were positive.
Hollywood Entertainment called The Shallows a high-energy, non-stop thriller with chills lingering afterward -- a strong recommendation.
Hollywood New Century said it captured the desire to break from mundane life for a thrilling escape, helping audiences find courage and renew life's meaning in the theater.
Even the Los Angeles Times reported: a beach, a rock, a lookout tower -- simple props combined with straightforward plotting maximized suspense and allure, keeping eyes glued throughout.
Gender rights groups praised The Shallows for promoting female empowerment and resilience, rallying women to support the film.
Nevertheless, critics overwhelmingly slammed it as shallow -- flashy sex appeal and thrills without substance or value.
Yet audiences chose sexiness and tension, undoubtedly due to Linton's star power.
...
Surprisingly, the movie's shark figurines sold well, prompting Universal to rush more orders.
Monday made $4.22 million with a healthy drop.
Tuesday $4.62 million.
Wednesday $4.17 million.
Thursday $4.19 million.
After a full week, The Shallows totaled $36.26 million, firmly claiming box-office champion.
The industry was stunned. Linton's film company and both Linton and Robert had become famous.
Two mid-budget flicks turned massive hits sparked interest and caution about upcoming releases Speed and Step Up 2 from the industry.
Big winners were Cameron Diaz and Zack Snyder.
Cameron's popularity soared, holding her own as a major female lead, rivaling Naomi Watts, receiving multiple film and commercial offers.
Zack successfully transitioned from music video director to mainstream filmmaker, gaining major studio attention.
But The Shallows' run was limited. The summer blockbuster season would start soon. On April 30, several hot movies, including Warner's big-budget Dave, would release.
Universal projected The Shallows would earn about $80 million in North America, a huge success on a $7 million investment.
Overseas releases would begin gradually from April 30 onward.
*****
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