Re: Life - Business & Technology

Chapter 54 - Anarchy

Last week of March 2013, Austin Headquarters Penthouse. A week after the Australian Grand Prix.

Vince was reading updates from public news and his executives on his work laptop.

Edward Snowden released evidence regarding the mass surveillance of all Americans on US soil soon after he arrived in Hong Kong.

The Guardian released a news article citing Snowden's work and described how the NSA utilized large communication companies in tracking metadata of every one of their users. Corporations like Sprint and Verizon were directly involved based on hard evidence Snowden collected throughout the years.

US politicians went public, denouncing Edward Snowden and labeling him as a traitor. A portion of the populace was outraged to hear about the current news and lashed out against the government via social media and rallies. At first, they were already scared of the shadow criminal organization involved in hacking around the world. But now, even their own government was doing the same.

[Protect our privacy! Uphold the constitution!] crowds chanted in front of the White House.

President Obama already had his hands full trying to install Won Hyun as the South Korean President. And now he had to deal with civil unrest too.

[Edward Snowden can wait. We'll catch him eventually, but these protestors, though.] Obama pondered in his office.

Keith Alexander, a military man currently the head of the NSA, walked into the Oval Office for a meeting.

The General specialized in cybersecurity which landed him the job at the NSA and understood the ramifications of the Snowden leak.

"How bad is the situation, General Alexander?" Obama asked seriously.

"Network traffic shows growing negative sentiment about the leak. In addition, we've observed clients from foreign nations adding fuel to the fire and scaring more Americans." Alexander explained.

[I bet the hacker ring is involved in this somehow. They retaliate fast.] Obama thought.

"You're the expert. What do you suggest we do?" Obama asked.

"My team has spent time deliberating a strategy to limit the effect of this issue. All of our conclusions point to Future Tech. They've shown excellent ability in securing the Bitcoin and Bitcash network, especially after the corporate espionage attempt making the rounds in the news." Alexander explained truthfully.

"How can they help with this issue? From what I understand, only Future Tech data traffic gets routed through their Nodes." Obama replied in confusion.

"We need a new and trusted telecommunications provider in the United States. So let's offer a deal to Vince Dalton publicly and watch how the masses react. Future Tech has been a model corporation for two years now, paying the highest taxes, creating thousands of high-paying jobs, and providing relief programs." Alexander explained.

"Let's leverage their flawless track record to turn this bad position into a good one." The General added.

[Corporate data security is the future. I'd been planning on founding a new company called IronNet when I retire next year, though this is a great chance to transition into the private sector with Future Tech.] Alexander thought.

"You've convinced me. I'll talk to Vince Dalton after you leave." Obama said before dismissing Keith Alexander.

The President took out his secure phone and found Vince's comlink channel. Future Tech would route the conversation through satellites and Nodes as a standard.

"Vince, good day. I'm not sure if you're aware, but the United States is running into some issues regarding data security. Can you spare some time to talk about it? General Keith Alexander spoke highly of your company and suggested we work together." Obama explained.

[I choose to pay the total 26% S-Corporation tax instead of using tax havens across Swiss and Cayman Islands bank accounts, so the government views Future Tech favorably. Companies like Amazon and FedEx avoid taxes to the point of barely paying any.] Vince pondered.

It was well worth it, and Vince now had the opportunity to enter the public utility industry with the government's backing.

"Of course, Mr. President. I'd be happy to help however I can." Vince responded honestly.

"First, I'd like to ask your opinion about the Snowden Leaks," Obama stated.

"In all due respect, I agree with Edward Snowden's sentiment. However, US citizens have the right to know about things such as data tracking. Even Bitcash and War Online explicitly state in our terms of service that Future Tech requires the storage and tracking of customer data." Vince explained.

"Future Tech tracks data?" Obama asked in surprise.

"Like many other companies and services, we track data of our consumers for their benefit, like not having to enter in long Bitcoin wallet codes every time they log in to our service," Vince explained.

"Though we provide security services for Bitcash and War Online accounts of much better quality than our competitors," Vince added.

"Then why are Americans so up and arms about mass surveillance?" Obama asked honestly.

"The biggest mistake the NSA made was not disclosing the mass surveillance. But, unfortunately, the government underestimates how little people care. Consumers understand why their social media data is tracked and don't care much as long as Facebook or Instagram is in working order." Vince explained.

"Protestors are rallying because they weren't made aware. Regular people have no time to ponder if Apple records their FaceTime calls. Instead, they're busy conversing with a loved one across the world. Technology has its drawbacks, but the conveniences it brings will always prevail in the end." Vince added in detail.

[I never really thought of it that way. Of course, I believed Snowden to be a traitor, but it seems like a patriot would be a better label.] Obama pondered in deep thought.

"Vince, you've opened my mind to new ideas that I need to think over. The government will offer an internet utility deal with Future Tech soon. I'll be in touch. Thanks for your time." Obama said before closing the audio channel.

At the same time, the US economy became unstable due to a loss of consumer confidence; the South Korean market was crashing.

Won Hyun led the impeachment process in kicking out President Lee from office. As a result, the Korean Won was crashing in the Foreign Exchange markets, while Future Tech Investments earned enormous sums of money by shorting.

Local South Korean businesses associated with the Hyundai Group were scrutinized by the public, and their stock prices were falling in the stock market.

Richard, the FT investments executive director, worked overtime with his team, capitalizing on the insider information Vince provided them.

Suddenly, Future Tech bought plenty of Korean companies for discounted prices, such as K-POP entertainment businesses experienced in filming movies and shows.

The mass surveillance issue was a hot topic in many different nations like Japan, the UK, South Korea, and the entirety of the European Union.

Governments were deliberating on what to do will all the new information coming out. Some saw weakness within the United States and planned accordingly.

President Lee was rushing around his house, trying to gather everything valuable before his escape.

[I'm seriously fucked. The locals will tear me apart if they find me, though imprisonment is worse, I imagine.] Mr. Lee pondered.

Lee knew he would be summoned to appear in the National Assembly soon but had no other option than running with no destination in mind. No matter how unlikely he'll escape.

While packing, he received a call from an unknown number on his phone.

Mr. Lee was on his last legs and didn't think a call from a random person would make his situation even worse.

"Hello, this is Lee." Mr. Lee stated.

"We know who you are, President Lee. You've compromised our organization by setting up the contract hackers to fail. It was your hubris that brought upon the authorities on us. The CIA and Interpol are working overtime trying to find information about our activities. You have nowhere else to go. Repay your debt to us, and you will be compensated and protected." a garbled voice spoke through the phone.

"And what if I don't comply?" Mr. Lee asked.

"It's pretty obvious what happens next. You will either be imprisoned or extradited to the US, where an even darker prison is waiting." the garbled voice replied.

"What will you have me do?" Mr. Lee asked honestly.

"Take all your wealth, and meet with our extraction team in Seoul. I'll send you the details on this phone you're using." the garbled voice explained.

"Understood. What do I call you?" Mr. Lee asked curiously.

"We are ANARCHY," the garbled voice proclaimed before cutting the connection.

Stats last time checked:

Future Tech current valuation - $300 billion

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

$85 Billion cash in Future Tech

21,000+ 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)

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)