Chương 49: Outer Space Exploration

March 14, 2013. Future Tech Penthouse.

"Mom, Would you like to visit Melbourne with me?" Vince asked Leah.

"Not this time, son. I've been busy with the NPO expansion and designing some Future Couture dresses for the summer collection." Leah replied honestly.

"That's fine. You can go whenever you want, anyway." Vince stated.

"Why not ask your friends to join you?" Leah replied.

"Kyle, Rick, and Sarah are busy with the final production phase for the new Future Studios game "Everlife Online". And Jessica is working on nanite computer applications," Vince explained.

"You'll be fine. Elon and Christian will be there to accompany you." Leah stated.

"True. I'll be out in a few minutes. See you next week." Vince said before leaving Leah's office.

Aiya arrived in the living room carrying her luggage and Vince's.

They were both escorted to the helipad and took off on a Stingray.

The entourage arrived at the private hangar with three parked modified Dreamliners.

They boarded Vince's personal Dreamliner and flew towards Australia.

It was a long 21-hour flight, yet Vince and his security detail felt like just leaving a hotel.

Vince met up with Christian and Elon, that were also staying at the Crown Towers.

His entourage entered one of the restaurants at the hotel and immediately caught the attention of most of the customers.

"Look, it's those soldiers from the Afghanistan war videos." an Australian customer said to his companion.

"There aren't any wars going on around here. It's probably a Future Tech executive and their security detail. Most likely Vince Dalton himself. The F1 race is this weekend, and he owns a team." the companion replied.

"Thanks for the reassurance. I got scared there for a bit," the Australian man replied.

"I've seen the Future Tech commercials. I'll buy an AV as soon as Australia makes it legal to own." the companion stated swaggeringly.

Bystanders shared similar whispers around the restaurant as Vince sat down at a corner table.

Elon and Christian arrived a few minutes later.

"It's good to see you both. How has Melbourne been treating you?" Vince said as he stood up and shook hands.

"The FIA technical director is keeping me busy with questions and inquiries about the engines, but so far, it's been good," Christian replied as he sat down.

"I was invited to the track and raced around Teslas with Randall Stevens. Good kid, that one." Elon explained.

"I agree—Randall's from Austin, just like me, and he's a quick driver," Vince replied.

"Vince, you better expedite my AV order. I want to fly around Palo Alto and enjoy the city sights as Tony Stark did in the commercial." Elon declared.

"You'll get it soon, Elon. You're luckier than Christian. His company builds the engines, but he can't even legally own one yet." Vince said jokingly.

"Sweden will legalize Future Tech products soon. So I don't have to worry about not owning an AV for longer." Christian replied.

They ordered food, and it arrived a few minutes later.

"Vince, the biosphere project in Afghanistan is progressing at a rapid pace. The dome itself currently produces more than half of the fresh produce sold in Kandahar. I think it's ready for Mars!" Elon exclaimed.

Vince almost choked on his drink before laughing.

"Come on, Elon. Surely you would test the dome on the moon first." Vince replied seriously.

"That's what everyone says. I understand why testing it on the moon is for the best, but Mars, Vince, Mars!" Elon declared with some craziness in his eyes.

[This guy's mental for thinking it would be sunshine and rainbows on Mars.] Vince thought.

"Future Tech will contribute to projects involving transit between Earth and the Moon. But Mars will have to wait." Vince stated honestly.

"The current valuation of SpaceX is around $5 billion based on Future Tech's estimates. So I'll invest $10 billion for just half of your company. We'll explore outer space faster than any of your competitors, I can assure you." Vince added.

"It's a good deal, Elon," Christian interjected.

"I accept the offer. I never planned to sell parts of my company, but I'll make an exception for Future Tech. SpaceX excels in space rockets, but not much else, and I understand that." Elon replied calmly.

"Count me in on the space exploration project. Koenigsegg will help produce the most powerful jet engines ever created." Christian replied excitedly.

They talked about expanding the biosphere project in Kandahar to build more biospheres and further testing and initial steps for the space exploration venture.

Formula 1 Friday practice wasn't captivating enough for the group to watch, and they decided to attend free practice 3, qualifying and the race only.

On Saturday, a fleet of armored SUVs and Dragonflies arrived at the Albert Park Circuit paddock.

Vince, Aiya, Elon, Christian, and FS operators walked towards the entrance gate.

The Albert Park manager saw the dozen people approaching and didn't know what to do.

[Are we being attacked? What's going on?] The lady manager thought.

An older man hollered from within the paddock and welcomed the highly esteemed guests of the event.

"Jean, it's great to see you in good health," Christian said as he shook Jean Todt's hand.

"Likewise, Christian. I can guide you gentlemen towards the Future Tech F1 motorhome. Come with me." Jean stated.

All three decided to explore the Future Tech F1 garages and watch the team operate during free practice 3.

The group met with Kevin Lawson below the motorhome.

"Vince, I thought you were busy and couldn't come," Kevin said in his British accent.

"I overate sushi yesterday and had to sleep it off. So how's the car's performance looking?" Vince asked while the other two were listening.

"The car is faster than any other car in a straight line, thanks primarily to our Koenigsegg engine. Of course, Koenigsegg customer teams like Marussia and Caterham have the same engine, but our car is quicker overall." Kevin explained.

Nico Hulkenberg and Randall Stevens arrived at the garages wearing the Future Tech-themed racing suits and helmets. They greeted the guests and quickly got into the cars as free practice three had already started.

The Future Tech F1 car's liveries prominently featured the Future Tech logo and had smaller ones like Epic, SpaceX, Koenigsegg, and Bitcash.

Martin Brundle and David Croft were discussing the free practice 3 session live on satellite TV in the commentary box.

"Martin, this season already looks completely different from last. Three minor teams have improved performance significantly. And the F1 food chain is now uncertain." David said in his British accent to a microphone.

"Straight-line speed isn't everything, Crofty, but it sure does help," Martin replied in jest.

"We'll be seeing the cars drive out of the pitlane soon. Which one of the teams are you most excited about?" David asked.

"Surely it's the Future Tech car; that's a hot topic right now. I would expect nothing less from a company as technologically advanced as Future Tech." Martin replied honestly.

"Speaking of, Am I seeing this right? Vince Dalton, Elon Musk, and Christian von Koenigsegg are in the Future Tech garage right now. Camera guys, work your magic." David said in surprise.

The broadcast showed a live feed of Vince talking to Kevin while the other two were exploring the garages.

"The net worth in those garages far exceed even some medium-sized countries' yearly GDP," Martin said jokingly.

"It's always great to see innovators enter our sport. They provide fans with more exciting racing because of their contributions." David stated.

Formula 1 fans around the world watched the broadcast with great interest. It was rare to see so many titans of industry in such a small place like a garage.

"Are you buying one of those AVs when it's legal?" David asked.

"Those things look like a death trap. I'd rather drive a manual car on the road. But, you know I'm old-school, David." Martin replied.

"I know. That's why I asked you." David stated jokingly.

Free practice 3 was eventful, with some cars having to take the run-off areas. Future Tech F1 and RedBull Racing set the top times after the session was over.

Qualifying occurred a few hours later. Vince's entourage went upstairs and sat at the private viewing area in the motorhome.

"Who would you bet qualifying in pole position?" Elon asked.

"I think Nico will take pole. Our car is the fastest, and he's a more experienced driver than Randall in F1." Vince replied.

"I bet it'll be Randall. He was bloody quick in the Tesla the other day." Elon replied.

Christian was watching the qualifying joyously, knowing that all engines on the track featured his freevalve technology.

Qualifying started, and each car took turns producing faster and faster laps around Albert Park.

The previous top teams couldn't keep up with Future Tech F1's pace as Nico took pole position and Randall in the second position.

[Randall won from third last year. He can probably win from second too.] So Vince pondered while leaving the track for the night.

Stats last time checked:

Future Tech current valuation - $300 billion

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

$40 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)

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)

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