Chapter 47 - Shocking Technology

"Don't worry. The Austin police department wanted to use one so severely that the city changed street laws to accommodate aerodyne vehicles." Vince stated.

"I can clearly see why. It's relatively quick for being heavily armored and can fly over traffic." Obama replied.

"We've been working on police patrol, emergency, and personal vehicle variants of the FAV-1. They'll be cheaper but still outrageously more expensive than regular vehicles." Vince stated.

"How expensive are we talking?" Obama asked curiously.

"Each would cost at least $5 million without options. A medical suite and life support system, for example, would cost an additional $2 million." Vince replied.

"$7 million for an ambulance does sound expensive. However, more affluent cities in the United States will undoubtedly order some." Obama stated.

"Koenigsegg has spent months refining the Freevalve Turbofan Engine to conform with current helicopter aviation and emission laws. I hope your administration will take significant consideration when a bill about aerodyne vehicles comes to pass." Vince said sincerely.

[It would be a waste if I couldn't sell my vehicles to the civilian market because of some random laws.] Vince pondered.

"And of course, I'll provide the White House a set of Future Tech AVs to use at your leisure," Vince added.

[The secret service would be pleased trying out cutting-edge vehicles. Even I want to take one out for a spin.] Obama pondered.

"You're too good at playing the politics game for such a young man. I'll have the Democratic Party back your bill when the time comes. But I get to keep one after my term." Obama replied honestly.

"A custom AV can be arranged. I'll show you our catalog after visiting Future Med Hospital." Vince stated.

The FAV-1 landed vertically on a reserved AV parking space outside Future Med. The secret service detail secured the area before the President was allowed to enter the building.

[I never knew I was getting the secret service treatment from my FS security detail.] So Vince thought while watching the agents surround their boss.

The hospital was prepared for the President's visit, and the receptionist immediately led the guests to Dr. Sera's office.

Vince introduced them to each other before taking a tour around the facilities.

"This area is our patient ward. Seven Future Security operators are recovering from wounds taken during the Battle of Dehdadi." Dr. Sera explained.

"The FS operators did excellent work out in the field. I'll meet them later after our tour." the President declared.

They walked around the hospital and reached the bioengineering laboratory.

A young man in his twenties was seen jogging at an unbelievable pace.

"That man jogging is Marco. He lost one of his legs in an explosion. So we've replaced it with a cybernetic metal-alloy leg seamlessly integrated onto his torso. He uses smart nanites in his bloodstream to control the cybernetic limb, just like the old one. Though he runs a bit faster now." Dr. Sera explained.

"I can see that," Obama replied plainly.

[Future Tech is advancing technology in so many fields in a place like Austin. This company has to be the most diverse in the world.] Obama pondered in shock.

"We have one last major project that I can't share right now. It hasn't been approved by the FDA yet." Dr. Sera stated honestly.

"That's fine. I've experienced too many shocking revelations in one day." Obama stated.

The President met with Marco and the other operators recovering from their injuries after the tour.

They boarded the FAV-1 and headed back to the headquarters helipad.

"Vince, those men are true patriots, especially that Marco fellow. He saved his comrades by kicking a grenade away but was caught by the shrapnel a few seconds after." Obama explained.

"I agree; they are true patriots. Will you be staying the night here at Austin? I can have Aiya prepare lodgings for you and the secret service agents." Vince offered.

"Thank you for the hospitality, but I should head back to the capital soon," Obama replied.

"Thank you for stopping by. I hope you can express how much I value my partnership with the government to the people of Capitol Hill." Vince requested before the President left on a Stingray.

Obama kept busy by choosing custom options for his civilian AV on a Future Tech mobile phone.

[I hope the President enjoyed the tour. It would be great to have the President as a backup if anything goes sideways overseas, especially with the Mr. Lee problem.] Vince thought.

Vince checked his daily reports and found five police FAVs ready to be delivered.

He decided to donate them to the Austin Police Department for their assistance with the assassination attempt investigation two years earlier.

While working on some new projects, he suddenly received a call from Christian.

"Christian, my friend, How have you been?" Vince asked, using the secure comlink.

"I've been busy keeping up with all your engine orders. I'll need more Hive Mind drones soon. But that's not why I'm calling. Will you be attending the Formula 1 race in Melbourne? You should go because it's your team's first race." Christian explained.

"I'll go if you're going. We can ask Elon too if he has the spare time." Vince suggested.

"Of course I'm going. I want to watch my freevalve engines go racing. That's a wonderful idea. I'll call Elon after." Christian replied.

"Christian, I'll have Future Security protect you like an executive director. You're too important to our business. If you don't mind." Vince offered.

"I don't feel any danger, but I'll allow it. My own business had grown several times over after partnering with you. It's the least I can do." Christian said before bidding farewell.

[I hadn't seen Randall since his Formula 2 Championship win last year. I should visit Future Tech F1 in the UK to see how things are going.] Vince pondered.

March 10, 2013.

Vince and his entourage flew on the Dreamliner to the UK.

He was visiting the Future Tech F1 headquarters at Silverstone. A few miles away from the Silverstone track itself.

[It would be dope to drive the Agera SFV around Silverstone.] So Vince thought before his ride arrived at the headquarters.

He was welcomed by Kevin Lawson, the executive director of FT F1.

"Welcome, Vince. I heard you'll be attending the Australian Grand Prix. I assumed you were too busy." Kevin stated.

"I've been busy, true. But Christian reminded me, thankfully." Vince replied.

"His engines are pieces of art. We've always been a small team in F1, but I believe Mr. Koenigsegg's engines can win us the Constructors Championship this year." Kevin replied reverently.

"You should try racing an aerodyne vehicle. Though, I think it's hazardous." Vince suggested jokingly.

"I've seen the company research and demo footage. So I might do that someday. Let me show you our car package for 2013." Kevin stated.

Kevin brought Vince into the main laboratory, where the cars were on display.

The F1 cars looked similar to 2013 season cars in Vince's past life but employed more sophisticated aerodynamic details like fins and ridges.

The color theme they chose was the Future Tech blue-black-white.

"The cars look stunning, Kevin. But, does the team have enough parts for the season?" Vince asked.

"With the budget you gave us, we can develop and maintain the cars without problems. It's our first time having such a large budget, but we'll make the best out of the funds." Kevin explained.

"I trust in your decisions, Kevin. How are the drivers doing?" Vince asked.

"They're in the simulation room practicing for next week's race. The Future Tech AIM simulator has been the envy of our racing rivals the past winter break. The drivers say it's like driving for real." Kevin explained proudly.

"I leave them be for now. I don't want to disturb our drivers' practice time." Vince said.

They walked around the Silverstone headquarters as Kevin introduced Vince to notable members of the team.

Kevin and Vince met with both drivers for dinner later that night.

"It's good to see you, Randall. We're glad to have you as one of our drivers." Vince said while shaking Randall's hand.

"Thank you for the opportunity. The car is quick, and I'm confident in my chances this season." The Austinian replied.

"Vince, this is Nico Hulkenberg, our other driver. He's been with us since 2011 and signed a new deal." Kevin stated.

"It's good to meet you, Nico. I hope to watch some great racing next week." Vince declared.

"I'll strive to put on a show for you, Mr. Dalton," Nico replied nervously.

"Call me Vince. We'll be giving out cash bonuses for championship points scored and consistency. So do your best out there." Vince declared before starting to eat.

He flew back to Austin the same night and planned to fly to Melbourne on Thursday of the following week.

[The race might be more exciting than the APL Finals now that I have a horse in the race.] So Vince thought while lying on his bed in the Dreamliner.

Stats last time checked:

Future Tech current valuation - $300 billion

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

$50 Billion cash in Future Tech

11,000+ 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)

20,000+ operators under Future Security

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

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

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