Chapter 79 - President Of Afghanistan

Felix sat comfortably on a passenger seat while flying on a Stingray during a hot and blindingly sunny day in the Kandahar province.

As the city was approaching, he could see additional biospheres owned and operated by locals and newly installed massive concentrator photovoltaic solar arrays designed by Tesla in partnership with the materials science sub-division.

Though Afghanistan is rich in crude oil, the area was blessed with constant direct sunlight and was perfect for solar panels.

The Stingray landed on the designated AV area at the Kandahar Airfield. The airfield was primarily for military use but now serviced more civilian passenger flights due to the recent increase in the local economy.

Affluent Afghans from Kabul, Herat, and Jalalabad would regularly visit Kandahar to enjoy fine dining, featuring locally grown ingredients from the biospheres, and go shopping in American and international stores found in various newly built outlet malls.

[It looks like Director Price is pleased to see me. He even dispatched a welcoming party.] So Felix thought as he saw a unit of US Soldiers, FS operators, and local soldiers were standing at attention by the hangar.

He disembarked from the Stingray after it landed on the AV pad and walked up to Director Price.

A caucasian-American man wearing an ornate soldier uniform and an African-American in his Future Security combat suit were waiting patiently next to the troops.

[Wow! He even brought Brigadier General John Dolan to greet me. So cool.] Felix thought with a sprinkle of narcissism.

"Director Price, General Dolan, It's good to see you both. I appreciate the warm welcome." Felix stated confidently.

"Felix, we've known each other for more than a decade now, but you're still such an idiot sometimes. This welcoming party isn't for you, dimwit. It's for the arrival of Hamid Karzai, the Republic of Afghanistan's President." Price stated chidingly.

"An honest mistake. Feel free to join us, Lieutenant Colonel Felix. The President will be here any minute now." General Dolan stated professionally.

A few minutes later, a US Air Force plane landed on the airfield carrying the most important man in the region.

Hamid Karzai emerged from the plane wearing his signature lambskin hat and Popalzai tribal robe.

[It's good to be home.] Karzai pondered in nostalgia while making his way towards the military officers.

"Welcome, Mr. President. Kandahar is at your service." General Dolan stated courteously.

"It's been a while, Dolan. How have you been since we met in Virginia back in 2006?" Karzai asked.

"My studies at the National War College panned out, as you can tell. Nevertheless, I'm glad to see you again after so long. I want to introduce you to Director Price, the operations commander of Future Security, and his officer, Felix." Dolan said.

"It's an honor and pleasure to meet you, President Karzai." Director Price stated while shaking his hand.

"Pleased to meet you, Your Excellency," Felix added as they shook hands.

"I've read the reports. Your men are highly effective in battle and cause barely any collateral damage except for a few destroyed buildings here and there. My trip to Kandahar wasn't only for personal reasons of seeing my home city, but to also discuss matters with you and Dolan." Karzai explained.

"We expected that much. However, if you'd like to continue our discussion somewhere more private, I've already prepared accommodations and a meeting room at the Future Tech Kandahar branch." Price replied.

"Alright. Lead the way." Karzai instructed.

Karzai and his security detail followed Price, Felix, and John Dolan and entered a Stingray.

They landed on the AV pad located at the top of the Future Tech Kandahar building, the largest structure in the city.

Many Afghan FS operators lined up neatly in the main hall to show their appreciation for the President's visit.

Leading them was a well-respected local named Farrukh, an experienced AV pilot recently promoted to Colonel of the FS Aviation Brigade.

Karzai noticed the well-armed and equipped Afghans and approached them to recognize their efforts.

Price and the others gave their conversation privacy by not following too closely.

Farrukh and the operators saluted in unison when Karzai arrived in front of them.

[As a Kandahar native, I know every influential person in this city. However, I can't recognize this officer.] Karzai pondered.

"What's your name, soldier?" Karzai inquired.

"Greetings. My name is Farrukh. It's an honor to meet you, Rais." Farrukh conservatively replied in Pashto.

"Are you a native to Kandahar?" Karzai asked.

"Indeed, Rais," Farrukh replied plainly.

[He even has a US silver star. Very interesting.] Karzai pondered before asking Farrukh how he earned it.

"During Operation Quicksand, my FAV squadron came across a US Marine team pinned down by heavy fire from a fortified position. Unfortunately, command headquarters were unaware because of damage sustained by their unit's communication equipment. I took it upon myself to delay my mission and instructed the FAV gunners to cover the marines during the impromptu exfil. General Dolan awarded me a silver star, unofficially, a day after." Farrukh explained with modesty.

"As the Khan of the Popalzai, I'm acquainted with my community's skilled and notable people. So how come I've never heard of such a capable man like yourself?" Karzai asked curiously.

"I was a simple farmer seven months ago before working at Future Security as a janitor. The job included the privilege of free access to educational tools like the MVR Visor, computers, and product documentation available during our off hours. It's been less than a year since I've raised my social station. Notable, I was not." Farrukh explained honestly.

"But apparently a quick learner, you are. You've done excellent work, and please continue representing our community with honor and pride." Karzai stated sincerely before saying farewell.

[I never expected receiving a compliment from my President. Incredible.] Farrukh pondered in glee.

In the building's main meeting hall, Karzai, Price, Felix, and John Dolan chose a seat and were served refreshments and snacks by the staff.

"That Farrukh fellow is quite intriguing," Karzai stated.

"He's the best AV pilot we've trained so far. And, I expect Alexis to reassign him as an instructor stateside soon for the practical training phase of the US military." Director Price replied.

"The city has changed drastically since I last visited. The Taliban bombings in 2011 devasted a significant portion of the area, but now it's like it never happened." Karzai stated.

"Future Tech prioritizes the safety and comfort of the residents, and not just defending them from insurgents." Price replied honestly.

"Which reminds me of the reason why I'm here in Kandahar. I understand the various positives Future Tech and Security have brought to this region, but why? Is it because of lucrative defense contracts?" Karzai asked inquisitively.

Felix and General Dolan were fascinated by Karzai's question and listened attentively.

"The money is good, that's true. But do you remember the time when you led the Eastern Alliance in 2001 to take Kandahar back from the Taliban? Felix and I were there while part of the 3rd Ranger Battalion and 101st Airborne, as 18-year-old recruits." Price replied.

"Indeed, I remember attempting to save my hometown from the madness it was producing." Karzai recollected.

"We dropped so many bombs on the city that it made all the Taliban members flee to Pakistan. But, unfortunately, it left Kandahar battered and ruined, never to recover due to constant attacks from remnant insurgents until this year. So I left the military after three tours of duty feeling regret in knowing our strategy of destruction wouldn't change people's thoughts, views, and way of life." Price stated with genuine emotion.

"That was until I met Vince Dalton, a young man whose sole purpose in life was creating, building, and producing all kinds of technological innovations. He made me realize that I still have the chance to improve conditions here in Kandahar, where my career started. So as soon as the opportunity presented itself, I proposed a military contract deal with President Obama." Price added.

"I always thought it was your young CEO's idea to join the war in Afghanistan actively. Future Security has done well in chasing out the remaining insurgents from the region. Now that I have more context, I'd like to propose a deal." Karzai stated.

"Though there are plenty of international corporations who are very willing to exploit Afghanistan's natural resources, none have improved daily life here like you. Future Tech has demonstrated its professionalism and capabilities, which gives me enough confidence to offer you a joint partnership in prospecting and mining valuable minerals in the country." Karzai proposed.

[Morgan and Andreas would love more raw materials, that's for sure.] Price pondered.

Stats last time checked: 

Future Tech current valuation - $300 billion 

15 million BTC (currently trades at $25,000) 

$16 Billion cash in Future Tech 105,000+ employees (FT AI, Future Studios, Hive Mind Manufacturing, FT Micro Devices, BitCash, FT VR, Future Tech F1, FT Investments, Future Arms, Future Med, Future Tech Robotics, Future Education, Epic Games, 60% of SpaceX, 10% of Tesla, 10% of Koenigsegg) 

20,000+ operators under Future Security 

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

Five company collaborators (Epic, Koenegisegg, SpaceX, Tesla, Hyundai C&E) 

Dozens of investments under Future Tech Holdings (i..e., Instagram)