The Wolf of Los Angeles.

After the test flight of the new model drone was completed, several senior executives of Machine Science were quite dissatisfied with the results and called the chief engineer, Arjun, to a nearby office.

Among these high-ranking officials was also an Indian-origin individual named Kapil, who was also a member of Arjun's team whom he strongly recommended.

Kapil asked first, "This test flight revealed many problems, and we need a reasonable explanation."

Arjun had already come up with a solution, saying, "The design and manufacturing of the aircraft were completed before I arrived. In the early stages of the control software development, I suggested that the outdated aircraft design and manufacturing, combined with the advanced control software I developed, might not be very effective, and could even lead to serious flight accidents."

The senior executives exchanged glances and remembered that Arjun had indeed reported on this matter before.

They did not consider the possibility that there was a problem with the control software designed and developed by Arjun's team.

In the past two years, Indian "highly skilled personnel" have been in high demand in North America.

CEO Michael said, "Our main competitor, West Coast Technologies, is preparing to launch multiple new drone models covering a wide range of market sectors, including photography, news, weather, firefighting, forestry, transportation, and agriculture. We must speed up to truly compete with West Coast in this emerging drone market."

Compared to traditional industries controlled by established conglomerates, drones are far more friendly to emerging technology companies.

Arjun possesses the typical Indian confidence: "Once we complete the upgrade, our drones will be able to technically crush the products from the West Coast. You have already seen the relevant design plans. The core control software requires an equally excellent airframe. If the software and hardware are not matched, you will not get good results."

Michael thought of the PPT submitted by Arjun's team, which was excellent in every aspect and could even be called a groundbreaking product in the field of civilian drones.

The industry is just beginning to flourish, and Michael intends to make Machine Science a leader in the field, saying, "It's not just about technology; we also need to consider another important market factor: cost and price!"

Kapil, an Indian-American, said, "According to our reliable information, the drones on the West Coast are manufactured on the other side of the Pacific Ocean, where labor costs are lower, giving them a significant price advantage in the North American market..."

“That’s a problem.” Michael frowned. “When the technology is similar, price becomes a core competitive advantage.”

Arjun's eyes quickly swept over her compatriot Capil, and she said, "Cost is a major factor. Labor costs in America are too high, which will level the playing field with our technological advantage."

He made a very serious suggestion: "India has lower labor costs than the other side of the Pacific, as well as industrial workers with better professional skills and technical abilities, especially in electronic information and software engineering, where India has a greater advantage."

This aligns with the general perception among Americans.

In their propaganda, India is portrayed as a paradise on earth, a benchmark of democracy in Asia, and a masterpiece of the dual development of its economic and political systems.

It must be said that the American media's portrayal of India has had a widespread influence on Americans.

Remote livestock farming can also cause cognitive biases and strategic miscalculations among the local population.

Michael had a headache. West Coast Tech's biggest advantage in drones wasn't technology or production volume, but cost.

If machine science engages in a price war with West Coast technology, it will undoubtedly lose.

Another executive said, "Cut-down is imperative for us, otherwise West Coast Technologies will inevitably swallow up the largest piece of the drone market. Once they establish themselves as industry leaders, it will be ten times more difficult for us to regain the market."

Everyone knows that establishing a dominant position in emerging markets is crucial for future development.

Michael asked Arjun, "Are there suitable contract manufacturers in India?"

Arjun said, "Of course, many Indian companies meet our requirements. In the future, the aircraft can be manufactured and assembled in India and then shipped back to North America for assembly, or even manufactured directly in India. Our costs will be lower than those on the West Coast."

Michael no longer hesitated: "Let's go to the board meeting as soon as possible to discuss it and reach a resolution."

The meeting ended, and everyone left.

Arjun returned to his office and contacted relevant manufacturing companies in India, especially factories under Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

This factory is known for its thrift in production materials; for example, there are always a lot of leftover screws on the production line.

Arjun even considered encouraging Machine Science to build a factory in India, where labor costs are ridiculously low.

In the afternoon, his compatriot Kapil called him.

Machine Science has received confirmation that Abhishek, the Commercial Chairman of the Indian Space Organization, has returned to Los Angeles, seemingly preparing to invite West Coast Tech to set up factories in India.

…………

Los Angeles, West Coast Satellite Control Center.

Hawke and Henderson sat with Abhishek in the spectator seats, where a large screen opposite them was displaying live footage transmitted via satellite.

The sky, covered with white clouds, and the azure sea were captured with exceptional clarity.

Abhishek asked, "Is this a view of the Pacific Ocean?"

Henderson replied, "Live footage taken from the ocean 500 nautical miles off Los Angeles by a large, satellite-controlled survey drone."

These are nothing special, after all, the US military used similar drones and signal transmission technologies in Afghanistan and Iraq, and similar plots can be seen in Hollywood movies.

But Abhishek was still a little surprised and asked, "How far can you see at most?"

Henderson said with a smile, "It mainly depends on the drone's battery life. As long as the battery life is sufficient, 5000 nautical miles is not a problem."

Inflating data is a traditional practice of American companies.

Abhishek became increasingly excited as he looked at the technology, imagining that India could also possess such outstanding technology in recent years.

At that time, I will truly be invincible below the US and Russia, and capable of trading one for one with the US and Russia.

Abhishek recalled messages from the Indian Mutual Aid Association and the North American Indian Chamber of Commerce, saying that West Coast Company wanted to set up more factories overseas in order to reduce costs.

He looked at Hawke and said, "These drones must be very expensive, right?"

Hawke said, "The cost is high and the profit is very low. The labor cost of skilled workers in North America is frighteningly high. Therefore, we have been working with overseas partners to reduce and compress costs in the manufacturing of many products."

Abhishek immediately chimed in: "In recent years, India has been committed to cultivating excellent industrial workers. Population is India's advantage. Our labor costs are low, and we also have world-class shipping and maritime transport, so transportation costs are also very low."

He adopted a very humble attitude and was particularly sincere: "If you are going to build factories overseas, you must give priority to India. We will offer the most favorable policies, including free land, the highest tax breaks, and the direct allocation of skilled industrial workers."

Hawke, however, said, "During these exchanges, I could feel India's sincerity and enthusiasm, but I'm not very familiar with India's business environment, the situation there..."

“India has absolutely no problems.” Thinking of the communications satellite and drone technology on the west coast, Abhishek assured, “India has the best business environment in the world, no less than North America and Western Europe. The government has always treated international businesses well, with extremely favorable policies.”

Hawke seemed to consider this very seriously for a moment before saying, "I will make a comprehensive evaluation." Attracting investment is an important matter in many countries, especially when it involves satellite technology.

Abhishek made a quick decision, but didn't say anything more, because according to his observation, West Coast Technologies and its controlling shareholder Hawke were all action-oriented and didn't buy into India's PowerPoint presentations.

No amount of talk is as effective as taking action.

After leaving the West Coast Satellite Center, Abhishek immediately made a phone call back home, explaining the situation in detail and urging, "Regarding the various trade agreements we reached with West Coast Technology last time, don't delay paying the deposit. Urge all parties involved to pay 50% of the deposit as soon as possible."

The person on the other end seemed hesitant: "The payment is too fast! We haven't even discussed the specific allocation plan yet."

"Pay the deposit as soon as possible, and we'll discuss the rest later." Abhishek's voice became exceptionally stern: "Damn it, can't you tell what's important? This is a crucial matter concerning India's national strength and development, and it must be carried out without fail. If anyone tries to sabotage this, I will report it directly to New Delhi and make sure they lose their jobs!"

The person on the other end straightened up and said, "Yes!"

Abhishek hung up the phone and then called New Delhi.

This Indian tycoon is also a patriot who wants India to develop into a superpower that can stand alongside the US and Russia.

In the lounge of the West Coast Satellite Center, Hawke sat on the sofa, continuing to watch the joint test of drones and satellites.

The images transmitted back via a low Earth orbit communication satellite were continuously playing on the display screen.

Hawke instructed Edward: "As soon as possible, assemble a business delegation to go to India to assess the business environment."

Edward asked, "Boss, are we really going to open a factory in India?"

“If we’re going to send the wrong signal, we have to go all the way.” Hawke never considered opening a factory or building a branch in India.

There are far too many bloody lessons to count.

Moreover, when Third Brother strikes, he never cares where you come from; even if you are one of the Three Elders, he will kill you without hesitation.

Third Brother is too principled in this regard.

Earn money in India, spend it in India, don't even think about taking a penny home.

Hawke, considering the inherent risks of this trip to India, specifically stated, "The business delegation is more of a formality; we must select physically fit individuals and remind them not to eat or drink indiscriminately in India..."

"Is it really that scary?" Edward was even thinking of going for a spin himself.

Hawke said, "Laur spent a few days in Mumbai during his last trip through India and almost didn't make it back because of diarrhea."

Edward remembered the landmines on Venice Beach and realized that this was not an exaggeration, so he quickly gave up the idea of ​​going there himself.

Hawke added, "Furthermore, the main task of the business delegation is to stall the Indians, to appear interested in investing and building factories in India, and to drag things out indefinitely, the longer the better."

Edward understood and immediately went to make a phone call.

Henderson's side is already arranging for people to continue secretly leaking information to the outside world through organizations such as the Indian Mutual Aid Association.

Five days later, the newly formed business delegation from West Coast Technology officially boarded a flight and left Los Angeles for India for a business visit.

On that day, the deposit portion of several commercial and trade agreements reached between India and the West Coast was basically paid in full.

Regardless of what tricks the Indians might pull later, West Coast Tech has already achieved a staggering profit of over $30 billion through these few business transactions.

At the same time, many media outlets, including Twitter and Fox News, are also hyping up business collaborations between West Coast tech companies and India.

Henderson also gave a media interview, stating that he is currently conducting business research in India and that there is a high possibility of future manufacturing cooperation with India.

This news quickly spread widely in North American business circles.

…………

Inside the Brentwood villa, Hawke had just finished a fight with Megan Taylor.

The latter lay sprawled on the sofa, his eyes glazed over, his mind blank, as if all his emotions had been released in that very moment.

Megan only recovered after Hawke took a shower in the bathroom and came back.

She said, "Without that sheep that likes to bleat, I can't stand it."

Hawke handed her a glass of water and said, "Caroline is away on a business trip and won't be back until next month."

Megan took a deep breath, drank some water, and asked curiously, "How did you suddenly end up working with the Indians?"

She specifically pointed out: "It's not normal for the media to be promoting India. Looking at mainstream opinion in North America, India's national strength has surpassed Russia in all aspects, making it the second largest economy in the world."

Hawke laughed heartily: "I want to make money off Indians, but I don't want to give them the technology they want, so I'm helping to promote India..."

Megan knew Hawke all too well and asked, "Are you trying to create a strategic miscalculation about India?"

This is also one of Hawke's goals. He said, "A company has hired an Indian team as its chief engineer team. In order to reduce costs, they may cooperate with the Indian side. I'm increasing the chances of that happening."

Megan wasn't too concerned with these business matters, saying, "It's Fox News' responsibility to cover this."

Hawke was blunt: "That's for the best."

“Okay.” Megan shifted lazily, reminding him, “You should rest now, I’m all recovered.”

When it comes to recovery speed, Hawke can't even come close to Megan.

Several days later, West Coast Technologies, which had been closely monitoring its competitors, received confirmation that Machine Science had reached a cooperation agreement with a subsidiary of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The former will license the latter to manufacture fuselage components for multiple drone models.

Although the drones still need to be shipped back to North America for assembly, including key technologies such as motors, which are entirely developed in North America, the fuselage components can be produced in India.

If even one component of a drone malfunctions, it's a major problem.

Machine Science Corporation plunged headlong into the arms of the Indians. (End of Chapter)