Chapter 476: Undercover to Boss

[Chapter 476: Undercover to Boss]

After hanging up, Hawke looked at Erika and said, "The Russians want to visit Twitter, so let's move the trip to before the New Year."

Erika nodded and asked, "Is there a problem with the Russians?"

"They're coming to visit Twitter," Hawke put away his phone and shrugged. "We're not going to Russia. We'll just receive them according to normal diplomatic protocol."

He thought for a moment and said, "I'll have someone talk with Brian and the folks in Washington about it another day. Since it involves diplomacy, especially the Russians, we need to be cautious. Those bears aren't anything to take lightly."

"They used to be America's biggest shadow," Erika joked. "Hopefully, no Russian spies show up this time, right?"

Hawke shook his head, "Probably not. After all, the earliest spy was fabricated by us."

There had been two spy incidents; the first involved BlackRock, which was pure fabrication.

The second was real, involving a nutty pro-American Russian high-up who activated a long-term sleeper agent and got caught red-handed.

That big shot was probably Dmitry, the new tsar's deputy and partner.

Hawke remembered that even after ten years, Dmitry remained a typical pro-Western figure.

Calling him a yes-man might be a bit much.

Thinking of the new tsar, he initially tried blending with the West, but upon realizing they wouldn't include him, he changed course.

---

The next morning, after arriving at the Coastal Building, Hawke gathered the company's management to announce the news.

Since Twitter moved into the Coastal Building, several foreign leaders had visited, so the company had some hosting experience.

After the meeting, Hawke also routinely informed several shareholders.

Peter Thiel was very interested and would come to Los Angeles after the New Year.

...

A couple days later, Andrew Card came to LA specifically to discuss Dmitry's visit planned after the New Year and communicated with Hawke in advance.

In a meeting room at the Coastal Building, Hawke asked directly, "Is this guy in charge of the Russia's intelligence?"

Andrew adjusted his glasses, "Yes, that's him. According to our intel, the highest-level orders behind the exposed spy came from Dmitry."

Hawke asked, "Why does he want to visit Twitter?"

"To a large extent, Dmitry leans toward good relations with the West," Andrew, having researched this, explained. "Our guess is he wants to check out the AI project."

The Manhattan AI Project was a sham; the reports released recently were just for fooling people to get the second round of funding. Hawke knew this better than anyone. There was no real high-tech worth visiting.

But refusing wasn't a good option.

Hawke said seriously, "The Manhattan AI Project is a strategic plan tied to our national destiny. Though progress is slow, the Russians' Kaspersky Labs are also pushing similar programs. We need to take some precautions."

Andrew asked, "You mean?"

Hawke smiled, "Some technology is too advanced to be shown; we'll only show the Russians some ordinary stuff."

Andrew immediately understood, "Indeed, too advanced technology shouldn't be revealed to the Russians."

His younger brother ran a tech company that was a supplier for the Manhattan AI Project.

Hawke and Andrew smiled together.

These two leeches sucking off America had already reached an understanding.

Money was more important than results.

---

San Francisco, Bay Area.

Several representatives of the Democratic Party in Northern California gathered at Jerry Brown's villa.

Kamala Harris represented people of color.

Gavin Newsom belonged to the traditional white establishment.

Senator Barbara Boxer had rushed down from Washington.

Two men and two women, including one African American -- a representation of the California Democratic Party.

"The current situation is very unfavorable to us," Jerry Brown said bluntly. "Sponsors like Pacific Electric Company have expressed strong dissatisfaction."

No one else spoke; everyone present knew well that although the campaign hadn't started, they were effectively out.

After a while, Barbara said, "We are losing our base badly."

Gavin Newsom faced reality, "I think we should prepare for the next election."

Kamala asked, "Is it already beyond repair?"

Gavin nodded, "This time we won't just lose; it will be a humiliating defeat."

Jerry Brown, aging but still a seasoned politician, said, "I bear the main responsibility for this loss because I insisted Gavin take a hardline stance on the Philip incident..."

Barbara interrupted, "The opposition was prepared. No matter how we handled it, the result would be about the same."

Her brow furrowed with worry. "A loss is a loss; we learn from it and move forward. We managed to turn California blue once; we can do it again."

Jerry asked, "Should we abandon the Feminist Majority Foundation?"

"No, absolutely not," Barbara stressed. "That's one of our core bases. If we give it up, we'll seriously weaken in California."

Kamala interjected, "But given this incident..."

Gavin slammed his hand on the chair armrest, "The Feminist Majority Foundation leader Michelle lacks decisiveness and ability. We need to replace her!"

Barbara, a California senator with the base still in the state, asked, "Do you have a suitable replacement?"

"There is one quite capable," Gavin thought of someone he often worked with. "In recent months, I've had frequent contact with the FMF. The Vice Chair Fiona is outstanding."

Barbara said, "We can consider her."

Kamala, remembering this woman who was also a person of color like herself, said, "She's very good."

The severe defeat pushed them to make changes quickly. They knew they couldn't drag this out and soon decided to promote Fiona within the FMF.

The Democratic Party had many factions. Even within California, there were regional and ideological differences.

But crises often brought temporary unity. On the question of the Sisterhood, the California Democrats reached a consensus.

---

Los Angeles, Venice.

A yacht left the Butterfly private dock and approached an offshore reef area.

Hawke sat on the bow, skillfully tying a fishing hook, baited it with a crab, then tossed it into the water.

Nearby, Edward was clumsily trying to bait a hook with an octopus but got sprayed with ink, instantly making his face even darker.

Angrily, he threw the octopus onto the white deck, "If you spray me again, I'll just eat you raw!"

Campos and Garcia laughed heartily. Garcia brought over a live shrimp and said, "Try this."

Edward tossed the octopus aside and switched to the live shrimp.

All of them had licenses and could fish to their hearts' content.

With no tide at this moment, after baiting, the rods were quiet.

While waiting for a bite, Hawke asked Campos, "I heard Michelle left the FMF for a Washington equality organization. Has Fiona's identity been kept secure there?"

Campos tipped his sunhat and said, "Before Fiona, Rosa, and Solana joined their respective social organizations, along with the Ferguson family, we created thorough dossiers across various satellite cities around Los Angeles. No worries about anyone checking."

Hawke said, "Send some people to support Fiona. If anything goes wrong, pull her out immediately. Safety first."

Garcia added, "Betty has been following Fiona all along."

Hawke's gaze went back to the sea surface. If suspicion arose about Fiona, they would just withdraw her.

The goal of destabilizing the FMF had been achieved.

If Fiona rose smoothly to power... things would get interesting.

Rosa and Solana didn't need worry. Their performances over the past two years and the sponsorship funds they brought in had made them key figures in the Mattachine Society.

Suddenly, Edward shouted, "Fish on! Fish on!"

He pressed the electric reel, and the rod bent like a bow; the hooked fish was clearly large.

Everyone's attention turned to Edward.

Garcia, experienced in fishing, guessed, "It's probably a large grouper!"

Hawke laughed, "Lunch is guaranteed!"

With the electric reel buzzing, a large grouper, which had vomited its stomach due to sudden pressure change, was brought to the surface and lay still.

Hawke grabbed the landing net and scooped the fish out, estimating it weighed at least 40 pounds.

As Edward kept catching fish, the others also had their share.

Good bait always meant bites.

---

North Hollywood, Feminist Majority Foundation headquarters.

Fiona left her office and headed toward the elevator.

Women they met on the way greeted warmly, "Hello, Chairwoman."

Fiona smiled and nodded, then went to Michelle's former office.

Inside, a few were tidying up the mess.

Fiona said, "Just clean this office; I'll still work in my original office. Keep this one empty for now."

"Yes," someone replied.

After Fiona left, the person returned with a stepladder, took down the chairwoman's plaque, and handed it to Fiona's assistant.

Outside Fiona's office, a new nameplate was already in place.

Chairwoman's Office!

Yesterday, Michelle officially left the FMF headquarters and took a position at a Washington equality organization.

Fiona had officially become the Chairwoman of the Feminist Majority Foundation.

...

Fiona left the office building, drove back to her apartment in Santa Monica, and after entering, saw someone sitting on the couch.

She complained, "You sneaking in so quietly and closing the curtains to sit in the shadows like that? It's no wonder I almost took you for an enemy and took you out!"

Betty smiled, "Just wanted to give you a little surprise."

Fiona turned on the living room light, "What kind of surprise is that? I'm undercover in the FMF, and look, I've become number one!"

Betty said, "That's great! You can lead the FMF down a new path."

"Do you know how I feel now? Like an undercover cop who ended up the crime boss!" Fiona rubbed her almost cramped face. "Any instructions from the boss? What do you need me to do?"

Betty put aside her smile and got serious, "For now, you don't need to do anything special. The boss's orders are clear: for the next year, do what a chairwoman does, prove your abilities, and secure your position."

"Understood." Behind Fiona stood the strength of the California Democrats. Without their strong support, she wouldn't hold the position steadily.

Betty said, "Don't worry about other matters for now."

Fiona replied, "I'm already one of them."

"Anything else?" Betty picked up her phone and stood by the door, "If not, I'm heading out."

Fiona thought for a moment and said, "Tell the boss I can only hold out until the next election."

Betty laughed, "Got it. You hang in there, don't really become the FMF leader."

---

Covina, People of Color Rights Organization headquarters.

Eric had visited several transgender individuals personally and got into a car alone.

Over the months, he collected plenty of firsthand information, ready to start writing his screenplay at any moment.

Just as the car was about to start, an Audi pulled up beside him, and a man got out, waving, "Director Emerson!"

Eric recognized the man as Saint Steve, so he got out too, smiling, "Just back from San Francisco?"

Steve hurried over, "Just arrived. I saw you right after I walked in. Got time to chat?"

Eric had heard Edward talk about Hawke's godmaking process many times. The aura around Steve didn't impress him much. He smiled and said, "Sure."

They didn't go into the office but spoke right there.

Steve asked, "Last time in San Francisco, you said you were preparing a new movie based on Philip's story? How's it coming?"

Eric tapped his file folder gently. "The organization provided a lot of primary materials. I plan to start writing the script after New Year."

"How's the funding coming?" Steve, aware of film influence on public opinion, asked directly. "The organization can sponsor part of the filming costs."

Eric wasn't surprised. In the eyes of the community, Philip was already legendary.

Even Steve, a saint in their eyes, wanted to elevate Philip to rally more support.

The film had no shortage of investment. As a director, he wouldn't complain about too much funding.

Hawke and Tom Cruise had also promised him that as long as the investors were suitable, he could bring them in.

Eric asked, "Any idea of the amount?"

Steve, a man who does big things, said, "For now, $10 million. We can add more later depending on the situation."

Eric shook his hand firmly, "A film studio will be set up soon. I'll send someone over to talk about the investment deal."

Steve smiled, "You are welcome at any time."

After finishing the deal, Eric got back in his car and left the organization.

Steve walked to the office building, instructing his staff, "Get a film investment plan ready ASAP."

...

Eric left Covina, headed straight to Santa Monica, and went to the Coastal Building.

He went up to the 16th floor and waited after learning Hawke was in a meeting.

When Hawke came into the meeting room, Eric handed him an invite, "Next weekend, Paramount Pictures plans to hold a media and industry screening for The Los Angeles Fires in Beverly Hills. If you're free, come check it out."

Apart from giving some promotional advice and having reached an agreement with Leonardo DiCaprio on The Departed, Hawke hadn't really participated in The Los Angeles Fires' promotion.

He took the invite and asked, "How's awards season PR going?"

Eric smiled, "We just won Best Picture and Best Director from the Los Angeles Film Association."

"Not bad," Hawke said.

"This is Los Angeles, the city most affected by the fires, so they voted for me. At other places, especially the Oscars, I have less chance beating Martin Scorsese for Best Director."

Hawke pondered if he could stop Scorsese from winning; he wasn't sure.

Spielberg, Lucas, and Coppola reportedly appeared multiple times at The Departed's screenings.

Their influence was huge. They didn't need to campaign; their presence alone swayed many voters.

Eric wasn't overly hopeful about the Oscar Best Director, saying, "The entertainment industry now divided into two factions. The LGBTQ faction is gaining the upper hand. I'm confident making Philip. Having been nominated twice for Best Director already, my chances next time are higher."

Hawke praised, "Not being too obsessed with awards is a good thing."

"Actually, I always remembered what you said: movies are more than just movies," Eric said.

His previous film Nightcrawler hadn't impacted him that much, but The Los Angeles Fires' widespread effect made him resonate with Hawke's words more.

Hawke invested in movies not for profit.

Few Hollywood films actually make huge profits despite the many produced yearly.

Why so much money still flows into Hollywood?

The entertainment industry remains one of the best channels for money laundering.

International offshore funds disguised in numerous ways flow through Hollywood.

As long as you pay your taxes to the IRS, they hardly pry.

The purpose of The Los Angeles Fires had basically been achieved.

The film Philip aimed to bring the LGBTQ movement to a new peak.

If Philip succeeded at the Oscars, the Hollywood awards standards would shift dramatically.

Hawke saw the possibility that Hollywood movies might decline sooner than in his previous lifetime.

The popularity of movies and cultural products often correlates with a nation's social development and strength.

The history of Hollywood movies development, in some way, was America's development history.

*****

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