Chapter 101: Label Executive

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It was an odd occurrence for the multi-grammy award winner to attend a meeting in a place like the SpaceX headquarters, which was now considered the Future Tech LA branch.

The stylish 40-year-old African-American man was told by his agent about Vince Dalton's interest in recruiting him for Future Studio's music label and didn't waste the opportunity, clearing his Saturday afternoon schedule for the meeting.

The SpaceX secretary guided Pharrell Williams to the designated conference hall, where Vince waited patiently.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Williams. I appreciate your work on Everlife's soundtrack and upgrading our music studios at HQ." Vince amicably stated while shaking Pharrell's hand.

"Future Studios paid me well, and it was a breath of fresh air working with young and brilliant minds like Kyle, Rick, and Sarah on the Everlife project," Pharrel honestly replied as he sat down on the sofa.

"I'm sure they learned plenty from you as well. We've been making good use of the music studios you designed in Austin now that we're expanding our media influence towards the music industry." Vince stated.

"I've seen the recent music videos produced by Future Studios. Hailee Steinfeld and the Korean-pop group, BTS, had been making waves the past week on social media, and I think they're a great start for your music label." Pharrell responded.

"I thank you for the honesty, but I feel like my music label would do much better if led by an accomplished musician and producer like yourself. I want to build a label that focuses on inclusivity, spreading music that communities can enjoy together, no matter the place. Be it here in the US, South Korea, or Afghanistan." Vince explained with a bit of flattery.

"I have a similar vision for one of my projects and would love to pursue our shared goals, but Sony won't let me go easily, I expect," Pharrell replied.

"Sony, huh? I bet they're mad because of Future Tech's abrupt entrance in the video game console market, their biggest profit generator." Vince thought.

"Sony and Future Tech are competitors, but we're both businesses. So how much money will it take to buy out your contract from Columbia Records?" Vince confidently inquired.

"The deal I signed with them last year was worth $100 million, so you'll most likely have to pay twice as much, stipulated in the contract," Pharrell responded.

"I'll be investing $2 billion in Future Studios Music, so the buyout price isn't too much of a problem. Your position at Future Tech would also be as an executive, which includes certain perks like security escorts, a CAV, and international private jets." Vince pitched.

Pharrell was stunned to hear the amount of money Vince was casually throwing around in his business which made sense because private corporations weren't required to publicly display their finances, unlike companies on the stock market. So he had no idea how much money and influence Future Tech had amassed in only two years.

"Is this 15-year-old kid for real?!" he pondered incredulously.

Vince noticed Pharrell's sudden change of demeanor and immediately reassured him.

"My corporation has been doing quite well lately, and the $2 billion will be money well spent, Pharrell. So are you on board?" Vince asked for confirmation.

"Act chill. You're a grown-ass man." Pharrell thought to himself.

"I feel that should be enough of an initial budget for your new music label, and you can count on me to grow the roster with talented artists from around the world. I'll speak with my attorney later today about our deal." Pharrell responded as calmly as he could.

"Fantastic. I'll be more at ease with you at the helm. One of my lawyers will explain your other privileges once you sign the new contract and become a department executive in the corporation." Vince explained.

"I'm looking forward to whatever perks come with the job. I'll take my leave to prepare for my transition, then." Pharrell stated as he shook his CEO's hand.

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While Vince and Pharrell discussed the music label, rumors were going around Hollywood about Vince Dalton's recent visit to LA and signing a massive online distribution agreement for Disney properties.

A middle-aged man in his office at Cupertino slammed his table harder than one would expect.

"The cult of Vince Dalton is at it again! Apple has been formulating a strategy to corner the online streaming market for years, and it seems they're way ahead of us already." Tim Cook pondered angrily after reading a tip from a friend living in LA.

He summoned the company's program directors into the office to vent his frustration and adjust their short-term strategies accordingly.

A few minutes later, a few of his subordinates arrived and were surprised to see their boss livid.

"What have you all been doing the past month? Just because we were able to purchase tech upgrades from the black market doesn't mean we can slack on our other projects!" Tim stated furiously.

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The Apple suits had no idea why their CEO was enraged but remained professional and respectfully inquired, "What would you have us do, Mr. Cook?".

"Move up the timetable for our Apple TV Plus subscription initiative. I want it up and running by next year, and we'll pay whatever it costs to hire enough developers. And remember, we're competing with 4K resolution options from Future Tech, so high-definition 1080p won't cut it." Tim explained impatiently.

"We can apply some of the black market tech we recently acquired into the Apple TV Plus project, which should allow us quicker research and development." another subordinate suggested.

"Terrific! That's why you get paid the big bucks. Now make it happen!" Tim sternly responded before dismissing the impromptu meeting.

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Vince was escorted by FS on the way to LAX on the CAV when he suddenly received a message from someone he didn't expect.

"I heard you were in town from Alice and wondered if you'd be down to hang out at the Prime Alliance compound. I know you're a busy guy but just asking if you're interested." 3D Jaden said via NetServ chat.

"I bet Alice found out I was in LA from Hailee. Though the rest of my Friday isn't too busy, so why not?" Vince thought as he instructed the AV pilot to change destinations.

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Orange County, a few miles south of LA proper, was a massive area hosting multiple buildings for housing, entertainment, media production, and team practice.

One would think the compound was owned and operated by a large sports organization like Manchester United or the Dallas Cowboys but instead was run by North America's premier esports teams such as Optic Gaming and Team Liquid.

Prime Alliance was originally an effort founded by professional War Online players contracted to different NA organizations but banded together to create the best War Online Arena team in the APL.

The two North American teams still competed against each other in other competitive scenes like DotA 2 and CSGO but played under the banner of Prime Alliance in the APL.

A Mexican-American man in his late 20s was drafting practice schedules based on the APL's recently announced matches starting right after the off-season.

"The money has been flowing thanks to being two-time APL champs, but the other teams are out for blood. So next season will the hardest one yet." Hector pondered until he heard a knock on his office door.

Hecz walked up, opened the door, and said, "Fortis, it's good to see you back early from your vacation. What can I do for the league MVP?" 

The young but accomplished 20-year-old was humble enough to appreciate his boss' praise and respectfully responded, "It's always a team effort, Hecz. But I'm here early to invite Vince Dalton over and give him a tour around the Prime Alliance compound. I assumed you wouldn't mind cause it would be great content for our social media presence."

"You're a team player in and out of the server, Fortis. You did splendid work connecting Prime Alliance to the big man of Future Tech himself." Hecz replied in agreement.

"Vince Dalton is an easy-going guy and pretty fun to be around, so it felt natural to at least show him around this place after he graciously hosted us on The Longhorn. The yacht was breathtaking, Hecz. I owe him for that experience." Fortis said honestly.

"You've been raving about that trip since you got back, so I believe you. I'll have our media producers ready the equipment if Mr. Dalton is interested in that sorta thing." Hecz replied before he received a notification on his Infinity Phone about a CAV approaching the compound.

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Stats last time checked: (This section will be revised in future chapters)

Future Tech current valuation - $300 billion 

15 million BTC (currently trades at $25,000) 

$11 Billion cash in Future Tech 

105,000+ 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, Future Education, Epic Games, 60% of SpaceX, 10% of Tesla, 10% of Koenigsegg) 

20,000+ operators under Future Security 

Personal Vehicles: Klassen Phantom, Agera R, Agera SFV, Boeing Luxury 787 Dreamliner, The Longhorn, Flyga

Collaborators (Epic, Koenegisegg, SpaceX, Tesla, Hyundai C&E, Disney) 

Numerous subsidiaries under Future Tech Holdings (i..e., Instagram, Twitch, Big Hit Entertainment)

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