Re: Life - Business & Technology

There were around thirty guests at the Dalton Manor, and it still felt like a small party for those who didn't often visit like Randall Stevens, traveling the world to race nine months a year.

Fortis and the professional players from the four teams couldn't stay in town for too long but took the chance to socialize with famous personalities for a few hours and enjoy Vince's lavish home.

Randall took Post Malone, Mac Miller, and Big Sean on short drives around Barton Creek on his orange Agera SFV, as they were admirers of hypercars.

Vince spoke with Hailee, Kacey Musgraves, and Ariana Grande at the bar but was interrupted by two of the largest men present at the after-party.

Buchecha, the Brazilian monster of a man, greeted the three and respectfully said with an accent, "Vince, Tom mentioned your skill on the mats. You're welcome to train at my family's gym in Sau Paulo if you find yourself in Brazil. I'd like to thank you for allowing me to show my talents on such a large stage."

Vince accepted the goodwill and honestly replied, "Tom is exaggerating. I'm only a blue belt, but I appreciate the invitation. You came highly recommended by the Fury Gym members. They vividly remember you destroying everyone in the heavyweight and absolute class during the world championship last year."

Tom joined the conversation and stated, "Buchecha, you're a great well-rounded fighter. I feel as though you'd do well in mixed martial arts. The heavyweights in the UFC aren't as strong and agile as you. But, add in your skills, and you'd be fighting for a championship in no time."

Buchecha wasn't sure about that and replied, "Skills can only go a long way. That's why our grappling exhibition was so important for promotion. But, unfortunately, my accolades in BJJ aren't enough to get me into the UFC's door."

Vince agreed with his friend's analysis and suggested, "You're in luck, Buchecha because I'm a person that gets shit done. Future Tech is negotiating a pay-per-view distribution deal with the UFC right now. I have Dana White's contact number, so remind me later. Maybe we can get you in the contender series or something."

Buchecha couldn't believe what he was hearing, and the same sentiment was shared by the two new label artists sitting next to Hailee.

Kacey and Ariana felt more secure with their decision to leave their old labels and sign with Future Records. If the young CEO were willing to assist Buchecha, a non-employee, then he'd go the extra mile for his people.

Future Tech kept its operations private, including the benefits and privileges all staff is provided. Vince didn't actively publicize Future Tech's progressive stance on productive working environments, equal opportunity, and job security because he believed his actions speak for themselves.

Even the orphanages, hospitals, and other non-profit buildings only featured Future Tech as the founder instead of plastering his name on every charitable project he funded.

Vince was also a corporate CEO, not the best source of ethics and morality for the mass public. Nevertheless, advocating radical social changes would surely put a sour taste in many peoples' mouths. The next best strategy is showing the critics what a better future could be instead—a more tangible metric than empty words and promises.

The APL Weekend Bash contributed heavily to Vince's plans by promoting Austin and the many different positive changes within its borders.

There were still criminals around, of course. But the presence of rapid-response police on AVs and Dragonflies forced many of them to operate underground, imposing less of a threat to the broader city populace.

Vince noticed the disbelief on Buchecha's face and reassuringly said, "It's not a big deal, so don't worry about it, big guy. Let's enjoy the party!"

Jessica, Alice, and Sarah joined their group at the bar after singing karaoke with BTS, Kyle, and Rick in the entertainment room.

Vince curiously asked the three newcomers, "Have any of you seen my mom?"

Jessica had spoken to Leah an hour earlier and replied, "She's hanging out with Sera, Alexis, Marcia, and Heidi in the swimming pool. She'd been drinking a lot."

Vince wasn't too worried and said, "The FS operators around the pool will assist her if needed. She deserves to have some fun with her friends after working on Future Couture and the non-profits diligently."

The after-party died down after midnight as Vince's friends and label artists began returning home on their CAVs, while a few availed of the guest wing.

----------

It was Wednesday morning in Kabul. After two weeks, the Hyundai C&E teams reached Mazar-i-Sharif and Herat, installing the underground utility grid expansion and constructing the national highway. Their FS escorts secured the build sites, but it wasn't too necessary as the US military and Future Security patrolled the border checkpoints.

An African-American in his mid-30s sat comfortably on the President's guest sofa and asked, "I've received good progress reports from our construction teams in the North and South. But how was your tour, Rais?"

Karzai was still tired from journeying through all fourteen tribes and replied, "I'm getting old, Price. It was a long trip, but the tribal chiefs accepted my proposal after much persuasion. I had them use the NetServ closed-ballot voting system to enact the new policies this country sorely requires officially."

The blockchain ballot system was transparent to audit, designed by Director Dollar as pro bono work meant for countries with unreliable and non-electronic forms of voting. It ensured citizens could participate in democracy from the comfort of their homes, improving voter turnout.

Afghanistan's national government was utterly fragile, held only together by Hamid Karzai's efforts as head of the largest tribe, the Popalzai, descended from the Durrani Empire, the first Afghan state.

The country had one of the worst judiciary systems globally, practicing primarily customary laws and Sharia. People didn't vote democratically and relied on the elders and chiefs for decisions, so Karzai's proposal was a compromise.

A few legacy laws would remain, such as the chief representative structure and some aspects of Sharia, but common law would be the standard and presided by authorized state judges. The government was currently recruiting Afghan law professionals from foreign countries like the US and UK, enticing them with competitive salaries and lower tax obligations.

Women were now protected by armed forces present in the region patrolled by Dragonflies like Kandahar and Kabul, but this reform will take time to improve the country wholly. The radical government reforms aimed to welcome more foreign investment into the country instead of relying on Future Tech and other states like China to build facilities in the region.

Regular civilians would also feel a difference with more lax laws relating to Islam, like allowing storefronts to remain open for business during daily prayers. At the same time, non-muslims can choose to continue working.

Traditions such as Halal were still in effect but now followed the legal standards shared amongst the Arab world, improving food options in grocery stores like Walmart and corner stores.

Director Price felt sorry for the aging President and respectfully asked, "Rais, what did you offer the chiefs to accept the proposal? I'd assume they'd veto against some of the policies like the judicial reform."

Karzai honestly replied, "My position as the head of state. I revised the documentation by adding a stipulation. If the nation successfully achieves the target goals outlined in the proposal, we'll hold a democratic vote for the next President; then I'll retire."

Price almost jumped out of his seat in surprise and said, "You're the cultural head of half the entire population. Was it worth sacrificing your Presidency? You could've easily extended your reign with the growing influence of Kandahar."

In Vince's past life, Hamid Karzai would eventually lose his position in 2014 due to the Taliban gaining more influence in the region, lowering public opinion. Still, it was different now with Future Security around.

The Rais sincerely answered, "I became the tribal chief of the Popalzai and accepted the responsibilities of improving our community. I'd gladly step down if it meant a brighter future for my people."

Though Hamid Karzai was a controversial figure and involved in corruption, they were minuscule compared to other Arab nation dictators' daily crimes.

He worked closely with the US government but publicly spoke out against US military acts of violence like indiscriminately dropping munitions and killing his civilians as collateral damage. The same people who entrusted him the position of the tribal chief.

Future Security utilized advanced technology and intelligence to fight against the insurgents, which ensured fewer civilian casualties, which Karzai and other chiefs appreciated very much.

This was in stark contrast to the usual US military strategy of bombarding communities with mortar shells from a distance.

There were more reasons for the smaller communities to side with the national government due to many public and social policies improving their lives directly, instead of the extremists who only provide suffering for the sake of misguided beliefs.

Director Price reminisced for a moment and pondered, [I knew this guy was the real deal the first time I watched him lead the coalition against extremists in 2001. What a fuckin' legend.]

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