[Chapter 486: Tech Moguls' Technological Revolution]
Just after the New Year in 2007, the sitting mayor of Los Angeles, Brian Ferguson, held his wedding to Jennifer Huey at the Ferguson estate in Woodland Hills. A few days before New Year's, the mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom, married Hollywood actress Jennifer Siebel. Both Jenifers' husbands were already locked in a fierce battle in the governor's race.
As soon as Hawke appeared at the estate, he was pulled into a group by Chief of Staff Andrew Card and others. These were all beneficiaries of the Manhattan AI Project. Their purpose in approaching Hawke remained the same: to continue bleeding America dry.
Hawke bluntly stated, "The plan is set. Once Brian wins, we launch immediately."
"We've always supported Brian," someone added.
"The party hopes Brian will win," another chimed in.
...
Having just dealt with these people, Hawke barely had time to catch his breath when Party Whip Tom Emmer approached. Tom Emmer laid his cards on the table, preparing for the 2008 election, and asked Hawke, "What's your decision?"
Hawke was direct: "What are your terms?"
Tom Emmer understood the power Hawke held. If it were just Twitter as a network media platform, he wouldn't have approached so keenly. But with the LGBTQ movement raging and women's rights increasingly clashing fiercely, spreading across the nation and playing an undeniable role in the California governor's race, it was too valuable to lose.
If those forces fell into rival hands, it would mean likely defeat or, at best, being at a serious disadvantage. Emmer's smile outshone even Brian's tonight as he explained, "Twitter is not only the largest network media company but also a high-tech internet firm. The federal government can recognize it as both and offer the highest levels of federal subsidies accordingly."
This was a straightforward exchange of benefits. Hawke didn't hold back either: "Those incentives are indeed attractive."
Since the federal funds thrown out weren't private money, Emmer showed no hesitation. "I won't even mention the tax cuts. I'm pushing for an entirely new federal internal office network software. While not as grand as the Manhattan AI Project, it'll still have a budget into the tens of billions."
Hawke glanced toward where the crowd gathered, spotting current president George Walker talking with Carter Ferguson. Emmer smirked, "After George's reelection, through Twitter group chats, the National Security Council and Pentagon accidentally involved a reporter in the Iraq operations - a total fiasco."
Hawke, of course, welcomed such plans: "You're right. America needs a more professional company handling these, not amateurs. Luckily, last time it was Iraq; had it been like Russia with Kaspersky's involvement, the results would be disastrous."
Mentioning Russia made Emmer serious: "My strategy is to further shrink Russia's strategic survival space, turning them into a complete European adversary."
These top politicians all knew Hawke had sharp conflicts with Russia, with previous direct violent attacks against him likely orchestrated by them.
Hawke laughed, "Good. The Russians deserve that treatment."
Emmer pondered then added, "The internal office network software wasn't my idea; it came from the Democrats who also courted a media company."
Hawke knew instantly, "LinkedIn from Silicon Valley?"
"Exactly. I have intel Hillary Clinton wants to partner with LinkedIn," said Emmer, an experienced old politician with sharp sources. "Though America hasn't had a female president, with the current momentum of women's rights and Hillary's maneuvers, she's a formidable opponent."
Hawke wanted to leverage Emmer to counter Hillary. Regardless of whether Emmer won, Hillary could not ascend - otherwise he and Twitter would suffer for the next four years.
"About Hillary, well... once I get concrete info, we can talk privately," Hawke said.
Emmer thought he'd convinced Hawke and replied, "Of course. Anytime."
They shook hands. "Happy cooperation."
"Likewise."
...
Emmer left to find his next target. Once out of sight, he concealed his smile. It was all a game; promises like these meant nothing but mutual exploitation.
Emmer saw the value in Hawke's resources; Hawke needed someone to take the lead.
...
Regarding LinkedIn, Hawke already knew. One of Twitter's shareholders, Reid Hoffman from Silicon Valley, had planned to invest in LinkedIn before Peter Thiel persuaded him to fund Twitter. Hawke once considered acquiring LinkedIn, but the Democrats repeatedly pushed the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Twitter for monopoly, delaying any moves.
...
Hawke found Erica, who seemed relaxed, and asked, "Why are you free?"
"You could be too," Erica smiled. "I am not in politics or business, and I am notorious -- no one tries to cozy up to me, which is normal."
Hawke pressed, "Is that intentional?"
Erica didn't answer but warned, "The president's coming."
...
George Walker and his wife approached. Courteously, Hawke shook hands. Erica joined them.
George called over his two daughters, Jenna and Barbara, introducing them formally to Hawke and Erica -- they were peers.
"Especially Jenna keeps demanding to leave home and be independent," George said. "You two have experience; maybe you can talk."
"No problem," Hawke replied.
George walked off with his wife.
...
Erica chatted with the sisters as Hawke stayed nearby. Jenna mentioned her desire to enter media, especially new media, after graduation. Hawke understood and suggested, "Twitter is hiring. Jenna, you're a top graduate. Why not try Twitter?"
"Really?" Jenna asked.
Hawke gave his card, "Whenever you're free, come by the Coastal Building."
Excited, Jenna thanked him.
Hawke cashed in favors from George, like the Manhattan AI Project's direct White House submission, cutting through bureaucratic hassle. Small things like this needed to be granted.
After Jenna and Barbara left, Hawke called Edward to note this and arrange with HR an easy, well-paid, and dignified position for Ms. Jenna Bush, helping this wealthy heiress break free from her family.
...
Brian waved from nearby.
Hawke buttoned his suit and hurried over. "What?"
"You're the best man, giving a speech. Are you ready?" Brian asked.
Hawke deadpanned, "I'll congratulate the cult leader on marrying his queen and wish you dominance over America."
Brian looked fierce. "Brother, if you don't want me to fight you to death, you'd better not do this."
He pulled out a speech, "I had Beacon write this in advance."
Hawke glanced over it, "Don't worry, I won't ruin your wedding. I'm scared of your revenge."
Brian grinned, "You're a smart guy."
...
The wedding began with Shania Twain performing two songs on a stage at the lawn's front side. As a classic California political family, the ceremony followed traditions with many political and business dignitaries.
Hawke, as the groom's best man, gave some blessings on stage post-ceremony. Then Jennifer's father, a Department of Justice heavyweight who helped with the BlackRock incident and whose family company supplied and outsourced for the Manhattan AI Project, invited Hawke for a brief chat.
---
After the wedding and banquet concluded, Erica stayed behind to accompany her grandparents. Hawke didn't disturb Brian and instead took Peter Thiel, Reid Hoffman, and Elon Musk to the Coastal Building.
In the penthouse lounge, Edward brought two bottles of wine. Hawke opened them, poured, and toasted, "Guys, welcome to Los Angeles."
Peter Thiel took a sip. "Any surprises for us?"
Hoffman and Musk glanced over.
Hawke set down the glass. "No surprises, but a lot of shock."
He continued, "Brian still needs your backing in Silicon Valley. If he wins, policies and resources will favor us heavily."
"No problem," Hoffman said. "Our main competition is Pacific Electric. I heard they plan to acquire LinkedIn."
Peter Thiel lightly tapped his glass, "Reid almost bought LinkedIn back then, and he still keeps contact with its top executives."
Hawke nodded, "For more than a year, Twitter had a dedicated team watching LinkedIn. Its career field applications are advancing rapidly. In this market segment, it's no weaker than Twitter, and its technology is unique."
Before Indians dominated Silicon Valley, Google's elite led America. Twitter led social media but had relentless challengers.
Hoffman asked, "Planning to acquire LinkedIn?"
"Considering it," Hawke poured more wine. "Legal pressure from the FTC investigating Twitter's monopoly stalled us. I want to propose a new federal tech initiative."
All present, as Manhattan AI Project beneficiaries, understood the proposal.
Musk asked, "Federal government internal office network software?"
Hawke nodded, "A $20 billion-plus high-tech proposal to fix communication and network security in federal departments, preventing past low-level mistakes."
He added, "Twitter targets the general public, dominating the broad market, while LinkedIn focuses on high-end users. Acquiring LinkedIn strengthens Twitter in that segment and helps push the new federal network proposal."
Hoffman was interested, "LinkedIn's nearly 10 million high-end users make it a valuable add-on, killing any competitor early."
Peter Thiel swirled his glass, "I also back acquiring LinkedIn but we must pay attention to one issue -- traditional companies like Pacific Electric have their eyes on it."
Hawke steered the talk purposefully, "To old family and business groups, we're called..."
Musk finished, "Tech nouveau riche -- a sneer among the wealthy."
Hawke raised his glass, "Old families nearly monopolize American society's resources. Without the internet, we wouldn't be where we are -- we'd be deeply controlled."
He smiled with resignation, "We all survive in the cracks, but to grow and live well, we must seize more resources, gain power, and keep drawing blood from America."
Peter Thiel cheered, "Well said!"
Musk agreed, "Old firms laugh at us and Tesla, calling us clowns."
Hawke said, "Those old money networks nearly monopolize resources. To snag more, we need to unite and form a tech nouveau riche circle, cooperating across the board."
"I've thought about this," Hoffman said bluntly. "How about we call it the Tech Mob, start with the four of us as founders, and recruit new members?"
Peter Thiel asked, "Mob sounds bad. How about Tech Revolution?"
"Yes, Revolution!" young Musk, full of ambition and some idealism, added. "Remake American society, build our own ecosystem."
Hawke raised his glass, toasting the three, "Here's to the founding of the Tech Revolution."
Musk shouted, "Cheers to the Tech Moguls' Tech Revolution launching tonight!"
They strategized about recruiting new members like Netflix's Reed Hastings, SugarBaby's Mark Zuckerberg, Google's founders, eBay's Pierre Omidyar, and more.
Then LinkedIn was the hot topic.
Reid Hoffman volunteered, "I'll reach out to LinkedIn's executives -- I know them. With Twitter's platform, persuasion is easier."
Hawke agreed, "Go ahead."
Both Hoffman and Thiel owed much of their wealth to Twitter -- Twitter's interests were theirs. After discussing LinkedIn, Hawke asked Musk, "When will Tesla's electric cars hit the roads?"
Musk replied, "We still need to solve the lithium battery fire hazards. It'll take some time."
All four, including Hawke, were Tesla investors. Musk promised, "By April at the latest, Tesla will start road testing."
Hawke said, "The Manhattan AI Project's autonomous driving assist system can integrate into Tesla's software, making driving easier."
Tesla had outsourced software development entirely to Twitter. Musk said, "The prototypes have enough space reserved."
Hawke smiled, "Let's get Tesla's cars on California roads soon."
...
Around 10 PM, Thiel and Hoffman left first. Musk lingered.
Seeing him hesitate, Hawke asked, "Is there something else?"
Musk followed Hawke downstairs, explaining, "I want to ask about Hollywood starlet Jacqueline -- I heard you helped her rise?"
Entering the elevator, Hawke said, "Jacqueline and I go way back. When I first freelanced in LA journalism, she helped me a lot. Later, she aimed for Hollywood. My friend Eric Emerson worked with Tom Cruise on Nightcrawler, so I recommended her."
Sounds like a mogul backing a decorative figure.
Musk bluntly asked, "Are you and Jacqueline involved romantically?"
"No," Hawke said, never considering it given Jacqueline's past career. "Just friends since day one."
Musk was relieved, "At a New Year's Hollywood party, I met Jacqueline and had a great chat."
Hawke asked, "Planning to pursue her?"
A Hollywood fan, Musk admitted, "Jacqueline's looks, figure, and charm fit my taste. I don't care about her past; some Hollywood women are worse."
Hawke agreed. Hollywood actresses are often taken for free; Jacqueline earns her keep with skill.
Musk grinned ambiguously, "Then I'm going for it."
Hawke said, "Your choice."
*****
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