The Wolf of Los Angeles-Chapter 425: Survival of the Fittest

When Hawke returned to his hotel, Congressman Bonarson called him.

Based on the list provided, Hawke crossed off a few names directly. There were only 26 supporting contractors left on the list, each set to receive orders worth no less than one hundred million dollars.

Twitter was going to establish a specialized team for the Manhattan AI Project, providing professional office space, various office equipment, and related supporting hardware and software, which needed constant updating.

All the equipment was world-class, at least in terms of price.

The initial funding was 35 billion dollars, to be paid out gradually during George Walker's administration. There were two more phases planned, but whether those would be funded depended on the political climate.

---

Inside an office on Capitol Hill, Hillary's assistant Abedin brought in the official document from the budget committee.

She handed it to Hillary and said, "We voted in favor, which secured them 35 billion dollars."

Hillary didn't even look up. "You don't understand the situation. This is just an insurance measure prepared by Hawke Osment. Without our votes, the proposal would still pass. Hawke is both bold and cautious."

Boldness referred to the fact that he had created this massive cash-sucking plan and leveraged Washington's long-standing negative sentiment toward Russians. This political correctness background helped the plan align with public opinion.

Cautiousness was about securing as many members of the budget committee as possible by sharing benefits. Even if more than 10% defected at the last moment, the proposal would still pass smoothly.

Hillary thought about it and realized something was off. The benefits Hawke Osment distributed were already American interests.

Abedin asked, "If there is a major shift in Washington's administration, could this proposal be withdrawn? In the past, many technology development plans were canceled halfway."

"That's possible," Hillary said, wanting to mentor Abedin. "But the chance is small. I've studied the Manhattan AI Project carefully. Hawke Osment set up double safeguards for this plan."

Abedin listened intently. "Double safeguards?"

Hillary explained in detail. "First, the huge funding amount -- 35 billion dollars for the first phase alone. Even if George Walker's administration ends abruptly, no matter the White House or Congress, canceling this plan means sunk cost. The initial 35 billion cannot be recovered, so it won't be wasted."

She continued, "Second is the relationship between America and Russia. Although there are many pro-American figures within the Russian leadership, like Dmitry, the new Tsar's attitude toward America is growing tougher. Especially since NATO and Washington will never welcome Russia as a part of the civilized world."

Abedin asked, "Because America always needs a strong external enemy?"

"Exactly," Hillary said. Despite her rough ways, her insight and abilities were solid, much better than those grassroots LGBTQ+ groups she disdainfully regarded.

"Russia is destined to be the powerful external enemy America faces. The Manhattan AI Project directly involves Russia. Whether Russians admit it or not, in America's eyes, they are already conducting research and have become a threat to the free democratic world. With such external threats, the American government will of course continue this plan without canceling it."

Abedin commented, "Hawke Osment doesn't seem like a young tech prodigy in his twenties, but rather a seasoned and crafty politician."

Hillary chuckled but said nothing more. No matter how clever the opponent was, she had outsmarted him this time.

...

The next morning, Congress officially announced that the Manhattan AI Project had passed the budget committee. Once President George Walker signed it, the plan would become effective.

Although Erica wasn't interested in the house, Hawke didn't stay in Washington. He returned to Los Angeles the same day.

Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freewebnσvel.cøm.

Twitter's Manhattan AI department was expanding, hiring some new staff.

The related supplies had to be tendered for bidding. Of course, the bidding results were predetermined and all the contracts were arranged.

Funds hadn't been disbursed yet, but they had to make it look convincing to Washington.

...

Throughout October, Hawke was busy with Manhattan AI Project-related work, especially securing contracts from various supporting manufacturers.

On another front, after BlackRock was acquired, its stock price began to rebound. Hawke was selling shares strategically to convert them into liquid funds and putting them into a West Coast investment foundation for new investments.

Tesla was undergoing its secondary financing and stock expansion, and Hawke was participating.

With significant income flowing in, the Osment Charitable Foundation received another large donation.

Director Pierce Madden was also finalizing a deal with a company in Africa to implement a tree-planting project.

This project was not something Madden made up but was closely related to the United Nations.

...

Back in the last century, the UN General Assembly had approved a flagship global environmental project -- re-greening Africa.

Specifically, planting a green belt across the Sahel region along the southern edge of the Sahara Desert to prevent desertification.

Currently, the project was led by the United Nations and the African Union and had started in countries including Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Mali.

...

In the Coastal Building office, Pierce explained the details to Hawke. "Just this past June, the African Union's ministerial meeting reaffirmed the plan."

He laughed, "The plan is excellent, but the UN has no money and the African Union is a group of poor folks. Such plans depend heavily on external participants. Our foundation is cooperating with several African companies; a bit of money from us lets them do ten times the work."

Hawke understood perfectly. "The remaining funds will hire security companies to protect the project."

Pierce had been to Africa. "That's definitely necessary, but we need a reliable security company."

Hawke held the Hurricane Mercenary Company in Honduras and could dispatch a team there. "I'll handle this."

Pierce left the security matters to Hawke and continued, "I've already sent the African tree-planting plan to the UN. The UN Environment Programme and the World Food Programme have invited you to attend the green Africa conference in Ethiopia."

Though the UN had many flaws, its stature was significant when needed.

Hawke thought for a moment. "Inform the UN that I'll attend the event in Africa."

Ethiopia was relatively stable politically, and the UN would be accompanying him.

Also, Hawke wouldn't be going alone.

...

After Pierce left, Hawke called Edward and briefly mentioned the trip to Africa slated for early next year. He instructed, "Lease an intercontinental business jet. You, Raul, and I will go together. Contact Bosque from the Hurricane Company and have him lead a team to Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, to set things up ahead."

"I'll call him now," Edward was a bit excited. "The African savanna, we could hunt lions and hyenas, right?"

Inspired by Erica, Hawke was interested in such activities. "Check whether Ethiopia or its neighboring countries sell legal hunting permits."

Many African countries had national parks to protect wildlife, but lacked funds and resources to maintain them, so hunting permits were sold to raise money.

Having money meant no need for poaching -- you obtain a legal hunting permit and hire professional guides for the hunt.

...

After work, back at the estate, Hawke asked Erica if she wanted to go hunting in Africa.

Erica was more excited about hunting than solving cases. "Sure! I've never hunted lions or hyenas before."

Hawke said, "Leopard hunting is also thrilling."

Erica didn't quite understand. "Huh?"

Hawke explained simply, "Leopards and cheetahs often get their kills stolen by hyenas. They only get to eat a fraction; the rest belongs to the hyenas."

...

After dinner, Erica called Hawke to the underground armory where they picked appropriate weapons for Africa.

They would rent a large business jet capable of carrying plenty of weapons.

That part of Africa was still fairly unstable, having been ravaged repeatedly by the five major global superpowers. Complete peace was impossible.

Hawke also chose many self-defense weapons, including body armor and plates restricted in North America.

For wealthy people, this was no big deal.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.