[Chapter 490: The New Governor of California]
The Oscar voting criteria had never truly been about cinematic achievements, and in recent years, it became even clearer that it closely aligned with social and political issues.
The movie The Los Angeles Fires swept the Oscars, directly influencing the political landscape.
The Democratic Party's support in California had been steadily declining, especially in this state. The Oscar Best Picture publicity caused their polling numbers to fall to 30%.
Only Northern California was doing somewhat better.
Even so, Brian Ferguson's approval rating stood at 66%, an almost unbelievable statistic for California in the past two decades.
Meanwhile, The Los Angeles Fires' IMDB rating rose to 8.9, ranking it within the top five of the IMDB 250 films.
---
On Tuesday morning, Hawke got up early and, together with Erica, headed to the city hall polling station in downtown Los Angeles.
Media surrounded the area as Brian strode out of city hall and cast his vote.
Soon after, Hawke and Erica voted as well.
Twitter livestreamed real-time voting at representative polling stations across California.
In Beverly Hills, Tom Cruise finished voting and, facing cameras, publicly endorsed Brian Ferguson, stating, "I'm choosing Brian Ferguson. The Los Angeles Fires and everything that followed prove he's the right leader for California."
At the Hollywood polling station, newly crowned Oscar Best Director Eric Emerson voted alongside his girlfriend Katherine, also declaring support for Brian.
In Silicon Valley, Pierre Omidyar, the founder of eBay, who had supported Schwarzenegger in the last recall election, switched to supporting Brian and called on Silicon Valley peers to vote for him on the statewide live broadcast.
Another Silicon Valley polling station featured tech investment giants Peter Thiel and Reid Hoffman endorsing Brian live.
In San Francisco's city hall square, colorful tents covered the lawns and sidewalks.
The LGBTQ community's occupy San Francisco movement, ongoing for a year, reached another peak that day.
Led by Steve Nutt, they waved Philip's posters and carried flags supporting Brian, occupying the polling station in front of city hall.
Fox Television and Twitter broadcasted the event.
In Sacramento, in front of the state parliament building, current governor Arnold Schwarzenegger also voted on camera, telling dozens of reporters, "I believe Brian will lead California to better development."
Both sides had come to an agreement, and Schwarzenegger complied.
Despite stepping down as governor, he remained a Hollywood star.
Hawke's West Coast Foundation, funded through overseas investment, initiated a film project.
Sylvester Stallone served as both screenwriter and director and co-starred with Schwarzenegger in the $150 million action movie The Expendables.
The film had become a political tool under Hawke's control. Its profits or losses were secondary compared to the political gains it brought.
Moreover, all investments were made with borrowed capital.
...
With favorable factors lined up, California's governor election went without surprises.
By the next morning, preliminary results showed Brian winning over 60% of votes.
Though the official results awaited verification by the California legislature, Brian could already claim victory.
---
In a Beverly Hills mansion, campaign manager Sandra logged into Brian's Twitter and posted the victory announcement.
A victory party began in the spacious villa.
Brian said a few words and then jumped down from the podium to embrace Hawke, saying, "Did you ever imagine this day when we first met?"
Those present were either Ferguson family members or campaign staff.
Hawke didn't hide his remark, "I told you back then, you'd be president someday."
Laughter and applause erupted.
Jennifer Ferguson, the hostess, served drinks.
Champagne glasses were raised.
Brian toasted, "Cheers."
Everyone drank together.
Erica asked Jennifer, "You changed your last name so fast?"
Jennifer laughed, "Real feminist Hillary and so many Democrats supporting women's rights, all take their husband's surname. Of course, those of us who are on the opposite side of feminism must also change our surnames."
Erica said, "True feminism is about standing on your own abilities in society, not just slogans..."
Hawke interrupted, "Stop that. If those people hear you, you're finished."
Brian came over and added, "Exactly, so we must firmly oppose them!"
He called Hawke aside for a private talk.
They went into a nearby room.
...
Hawke asked, "What's the matter? Why are you so anxious?"
Brian joked, "Transferring the benefits! If I don't hurry up, I'm afraid you'll jump ship, and I can't handle that."
Hawke, supporting Brian not out of charity, replied, "You've got more than a month before taking office. Once you do, I'll send Caroline with a professional team to Sacramento to negotiate subsidies, tax exemptions, and business cooperation."
He paused, "There should be one or two state government special support plans too."
Brian agreed, "No problem, I'll maximize all metrics. Some government departments' procurement and security work will be managed by your side."
West Coast Environmental Technologies Group would expand further. After negotiations here, Hawke would send a team for large-scale procurement.
Hawke asked, "What's your plan for the LGBTQ community?"
Though the movement had flourished under them, Brian had genuinely received support and now held power. Giving back was necessary.
It wasn't time to discard these groups yet.
Brian was prepared: "I plan to legalize same-sex marriage in California, establishing a diversity department in the state government to handle LGBTQ issues."
Hawke agreed, "They must see hope."
Brian, a savvy politician, said, "To achieve this, it must pass the legislature. If it doesn't, we can launch another campaign to change the chamber."
Hawke nodded, "To turn California firmly red."
With Brian's election, the Republican Party's dominance in California was solidified.
---
Washington, D.C., Capitol Hill.
In the Budget Committee's office, Hillary Clinton was reading a Washington Post article focusing on the Oscar ceremony.
Unlike entertainment tabloids, the Post emphasized the political impact of The Los Angeles Fires winning Best Picture.
The article's bold headline summarized: "With The Los Angeles Fires winning Best Picture and Brian Ferguson's gubernatorial victory, California's political landscape shifts from blue to red."
Senator Barbara Boxer of California also read the article. After finishing, she said, "California's situation is very dangerous now. We need to unite to reverse this disadvantage."
Hillary thought for a moment, then asked, "What do you plan to do?"
Barbara intended to pull Hillary into the fray: "You're gearing up for the presidential election. California has 55 electoral votes -- the most in the country. Are you ready to give them up?"
Who running for president could ignore those votes?
In the last election, George W. Bush's win in California secured his victory.
Hillary said, "California's situation is complicated..."
"But there's still hope!" Barbara insisted. "If we wait until the next election, California will be fully red. Some states have only a handful of electoral votes, combined less than California's."
She paused and said, "Think it over."
"I will." Hillary escorted her to the door.
...
Barbara hurried down the corridor, her lively face marked by worry and exhaustion.
In the next congressional elections, the Democrats would likely lose at least one of two Senate seats.
Barbara even considered switching parties.
...
Meanwhile, Hillary pondered California.
California wasn't her home base, but she wouldn't abandon it.
Clashes had occurred repeatedly.
She had taken measures: by eliminating BlackRock's two founders and blaming Russia, she intensified Hawke Osment's conflict with Russia, achieving some results.
But her agents sent to Los Angeles were wiped out, even causing destruction at the Waspam training base.
No progress had been made with the Satan Cult.
She pressed a button and summoned Huma Abedin. "Any news from the Satan Cult in L.A.?"
Huma replied, "The Saints have gained seven followers on Twitter, but they're all lower-level employees. Twitter HQ has thousands like them, so no real impact yet."
Hillary was unsurprised. The Satan Cult was radical and occult-based, with little overlap with tech elites. Recruiting tech geeks into it was harder than ordinary people.
She felt they might be useful later. "Tell them to continue, keep it secret."
"Yes."
Huma added, "Two of the Saint's handmaidens are close to one of Hawke Osment's best friends. But he's street-smart and cautious; they dare not act rashly, staying silent."
Hillary's interest peaked. "Who is he?"
Huma had researched: "The Saint's ex-husband. Due to multiple divorces and child support problems, he's been homeless in L.A. He helped Hawke during his early days using his connections. After Hawke succeeded, he took care of him well."
Hillary, familiar with Jayne Mansfield, the Saint, said, "Have those two listen more, act less."
This would reduce exposure risk.
With the Adams group's disappearance, Hillary was very cautious about L.A.
She asked about Waspam's investigation.
Huma updated: "Jose's team found extensive evidence at Waspam, including armed helicopters and warships openly used during attacks. They identified two locations."
Hillary looked concerned.
Huma continued: "One is Cozumel Island in Mexico, controlled by the Ferguson family; the other is in southeastern Costa Rica, exact city unknown, but they've been there for years."
Hillary was puzzled, "Hawke Osment rose up not long ago."
Huma guessed, "Perhaps his money played a role."
Hillary ordered: "Find their locations and their ties with local political and military forces."
Not acting now didn't mean never.
She thought, "Contact our military allies, hire a high-paid security team."
"Yes."
Hillary was busy, dealing with more than California. After giving other state matters orders, she asked, "Any parties at Epstein's?"
"None yet." Huma probed, "Should I urge him to hold one soon?"
Hillary felt the need to relax and vent her frustrations, preferably all at once.
After a brief hesitation, she said, "Yes."
Huma knew this was important and planned to prioritize it.
Hillary stopped her: "Set the time and notify Leonardo to adjust his schedule. He must appear on the island."
"Yes."
Huma knew Hillary's obsession with Leonardo DiCaprio bordered on the pathological.
This started when Hillary watched Titanic's theatrical cut at the White House.
To fulfill desires, she developed Harvey Weinstein as a front, trapping Leonardo on that island.
Using threats and bribes, Leonardo yielded to an $18 million payoff, funded by Epstein and the Satan Cult.
After contacting Epstein, Huma wondered why Hillary never tired of Leonardo; he must have exceptional qualities.
She felt curious and considered meeting Leonardo herself someday.
---
Mallorca, Spain.
Leonardo's vacation mood vanished after a call from Washington.
He seemed on the edge of darkness.
His new girlfriend Sienna Miller noticed. "Hey, honey, what's wrong?"
"Nothing." Leonardo, known for many girlfriends but never troubling them, rarely heard complaints except for his 11-second dash.
Sienna, new to him, didn't pry.
Leonardo waved his phone, "I've got to go."
"Do as you please." Sienna lounged on a beach chair in a swimsuit.
...
Leonardo left the umbrella's shade and headed to the villa at the beach's rear.
Nacho, security from Hurricane Mercenary Company, followed.
Leonardo closed the door. "Hillary's assistant invited me to a party in New York next month, organized by Epstein."
Nacho had a basic understanding of Leonardo's situation and knew what was going on between Hillary and Epstein. Involving these two people is beyond the scope of his authority. He dare not act on his own and suggested, "You'd better contact Mr. Osmond immediately and let him handle this matter."
Leonardo found the mobile phone Hawke left for him and dialed the number on it.
...
At Venice, Los Angeles, Butterfly Consulting, Hawke just exited his car when Edward handed him the phone: "Leonardo's calling, urgent."
Hawke answered, "Long time no see."
"Hillary's people contacted me..." Leonardo explained the situation quickly.
Last time, he escaped trouble using The Departed's overseas promotion.
Hawke suggested, "Find a film crew, ideally shooting outside North America, to make a movie."
Leonardo asked, "Can't we just break with them?"
"It's better not to." Hawke didn't need Leonardo to turn from the dark to the light now, so he specifically warned, "Remember the Hudson River case."
Leonardo was silent.
Hawke added, "I'll send extra people to protect you secretly."
Leonardo sighed, "Alright."
Hawke hung up.
Campos arrived: "The drones are here, and we started training."
*****
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