Chapter 36 - Person Of The Year

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Instagram was bought by Facebook in 2012 but is now owned by Future Tech in Vince's new life.

[We paid $200 million more than Facebook did, but it was worth it.] Vince thought

"Ralph assumed correctly. Social media is a multi-billion dollar industry. Would you please notify him in providing $5 billion to Instagram's budget from Future Tech, and to start promoting channels related to the Arena Pro League and War Online on the platform." Vince asked.

"Yes, of course, Vince," Richard replied.

"Thank you for your time. I'll be heading out." Vince said before leaving for his car.

He enjoyed the cosmopolitan scenery in Manhattan before spending some time in Central Park.

Vince called his mother while walking by the Bethesda Fountain.

"Hey, mom. How have you been since I left Austin?" Vince asked,

"I've been feeling stronger than ever. I have fully staffed our non-profit organization with the help of Hudson, freeing up some time for my hobbies." Leah replied.

"I'm glad to hear that, mom. What kind of hobbies have you been getting into? Vince asked curiously.

"Future Tech's new design division is terrific. I can mock-up designs on the company computers, and viola, a new dress appears. I've been enjoying my time working with Future Couture." Leah replied excitedly.

"Future Couture's sales have been great, especially the new winter collection. Our Austin branch is always full of people trying out the new designs." Leah added.

[I didn't know mom was that into dresses. Maybe she and Jessica would get along because of their passion for fashion.] Vince thought amusingly.

"During your free time from designing clothes, could you please prepare our NPO for new outreach programs I'll be funding. Mostly in Afghanistan." Vince asked.

"In Afghanistan? What have you gotten yourself into, young man?" Leah asked inquisitively with a harsh tone.

"I'm sorry, mom. I had no choice. The President and the Department of Defense wouldn't have taken no for an answer." Vince replied dejectedly.

[Vince is a good boy. I need to trust him with important decisions like this. He deserves that at least.] Leah thought as she calmed down.

"Alright, Vince. I'll do what you ask. Civilians suffer the most during a war." Leah replied.

"I know, mom. We'll be working on it." Vince replied reassuringly.

"Show me some of your designs when I get back to Austin. I'll see you soon." Vince said before his mother told her farewells.

He looked around and watched the beautiful Central Park landscape.

[I'll give everyone a chance to experience scenery like this even if I had to build a forest in the desert.] Vince thought with determination.

Vince called Elon after his conversation with Leah.

"Vince, are you calling about your satellites? We've already sent five of the ten you ordered in low earth orbit. But, unfortunately, SpaceX can't go any faster." Elon said, quickly defending himself.

"I understand, even though all of them should be up there by now. Delays happen. I'm calling about something else." Vince replied.

"Okay, you should have started with that then," Elon replied

[You didn't even let me..Ugh] Vince thought

"I remember you talking on an on about colonizing Mars. I propose a partnership in developing self-sustaining housing modules that we would eventually build on Mars for researchers and colonizers." Vince stated.

"This could lead to valuable data for a very crucial aspect for our efforts in colonizing other planets. I'm in. Where do you want to do the testing? Nevada or Arizona?" Elon asked excitedly.

"Afghanistan," Vince replied plainly.

"Hmm. That country's climate and the weather do fit our criteria. I'll accept. SpaceX and Future Tech can make it work, I'm confident." Elon stated.

"I'm glad you are. Send Future Tech the necessary personnel, and I'll take care of the rest, at no cost to you." Vince replied.

"If that's all, I'm out. See you around, Vince." Elon stated.

"Likewise, Elon. Thanks for considering my proposal." Vince replied before pocketing his phone.

He left the park after spending a few hours walking around with his security before deciding to go.

Vince arrived at Time Magazine's headquarters half an hour later.

Most of the employees at Time Magazine knew that an interview would be conducted today with an important guest. It was the main article for the December 2012 issue featuring the person of the year, Vince Dalton.

Vince was guided into a private room where cameras were set up.

"Thank you for sparing time for our interview, Mr. Dalton. I'll only need to ask a few questions as most of the content will be written about your business and tech campus by our correspondents in Austin." the interviewer stated.

"That's fine. I'm ready whenever you are." Vince said amicably.

"You've been named 'Person of the Year' by Time Magazine due to your company's contributions to the electronics and finance sectors. Yet, not much is known publicly of Future Tech's work due to being a private company."

"How did Future Tech evolve from a simple software development company into a tech giant competing with Apple and Microsoft?" the interviewer asked.

"Software is an integral part of my company's success. Our staff requires sophisticated software to utilize AI in various applications. Brilliant engineers helm the development of the Future Tech AI, and this product is our core business. The refinement of our manufacturing processes and advancements in material science are just byproducts." Vince said proudly.

"Future Tech has invested heavily in the entertainment industry. Plenty of your early successes are tied to War Online and the Arena Pro League. How important is this business sector to Future Tech?" the interviewer asked.

"I hold entertainment in high regard—platforms like film, music, video games, and competition connects our society and promotes a communal outlook. Our products bring communities together. That is my philosophy in business." Vince replied.

"Whispers regarding Future Tech's involvement in the war in Afghanistan is being spoken around the news industry. In addition, reports show that you visited President Obama yesterday. Of course, war is a controversial issue, but I'd like to ask in what capacity your company will assist in the conflict." the interviewer asked.

"Future Tech and Future Security will ensure the safety of our brothers and sisters fighting in Afghanistan through drone reconnaissance and cyberwarfare. In addition, however, I offered the president a peacekeeping and rebuilding project for the benefit of Afghan locals." Vince replied.

"From mobile apps to satellites, what more could be next for Future Tech?" the interviewer asked.

"There will always be something next, but I can tease a new project in development for your magazine: smart devices and the Internet of Things," Vince replied.

"Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Dalton. I reckon we'll be doing more interviews in the future." the interviewer stated.

"Until next time," Vince replied.

[This war thing could be a problem. People can't just blame me for being involved. Countless other corporations contribute to the war efforts.] Vince thought

Price met Vince at the Ritz-Carlton's restaurant for dinner.

"Vince, Future Security will require additional funds to purchase enough land outside Austin for a training base. I'll need to prepare our men before this mission starts." Price stated.

"That's fine. I foresee Future Tech being involved more and more in the war." Vince replied.

[We need to be. Or else, the same thing will happen like in 2021.] Vince thought.

"I'll need to find suitable ground around Austin as soon as possible. The mission will start in February." Price added.

"You can ask David for help with that. You'll need to order Hive Mind security suites for Future Security's use. Future Tech will provide your operators all of the assistance we'll give to DOD but at a smaller scale, of course. That means you'll get autonomous IED bot sweepers, radio satellite equipment, and autonomous air recon support." Vince replied.

"Price, I'll give you $10 billion initially to grow Future Security into a formidable fighting and peacekeeping force capable of winning this war.

[General Douglas will only be paying Future Security $500 million to secure the entire Dehdadi province, though a $5 billion contract for securing Kandahar was on the table based on their performance.]

[$2.3 trillion was the total cost of the war in Afghanistan. However, money couldn't win the war.] Vince pondered.

"$10 billion is more than enough to start with, Vince. You're feeling generous today. What gives?" Price asked inquisitively.

"The entire Middle East is at risk of falling into dictators' hands. As a result, politics in the region will fracture sooner rather than later, especially in Syria." Vince replied solemnly.

[ISIS did the war effort no favors. Countless civilians dead for no good reason.] Vince thought sadly.

"You've been doing your geopolitics homework recently? Lighten up, kid. My men are competent and reliable. So you don't have to worry." Price replied reassuringly.

David called Vince as they were flying back to Austin.

"General Douglas seemed eager to finalize the deal," David stated.

"What did General Douglas order from the menu?" Vince jokingly asked.

"Autonomous upgrades for 20,000 existing reconnaissance drones, 1,000 IED sweeper bots, 10,000 Hive Mind security drones, and development of an intuitive military control system for the officers to use. Upkeep and maintenance of all Future Tech assets will be our responsibility." David stated.

"And how much was the general's bill? Vince asked.

"$50 billion for the first year. More contracts are on the table based on our products' impact in the war." David replied.

[War is indeed profitable.] Vince thought.

Stats last time checked:

15 million BTC (currently trades at $1,000)

$100 Billion in Future Tech

8350+ employees (Future Studios, Hive Mind AI, ARM, BitCash, Future Security, FT VR, Future Tech F1, Future Tech Investments)

Vehicles: Klassen Phantom, Agera R, Agera SFV, Boeing Luxury 787 Dreamliner

Five company collaborators

Dozens of investments under Future Tech Holdings

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