670 Compromise? (1/2)
B City Consortium couldn't last much longer.
It wasn't because they had no money. On the contrary, they were very rich and possessed wealth unimaginable by most people. Since the 1950s, they used scientific research from MIT to develop technology in emerging industries and transitioned from the textile industry to the fields of electronics, optics, radars, missiles and even aerospace. If their actual wealth was calculated, even Bill Gates' wealth tenfold would be no match. After all, Bill Gates was only one person and these consortia were controlled by more than one family.
For this monstrous economic giant, the banking system wasn't their source of hematopoietic stem cells so to speak, but rather, it was their more important heart! If there were any problems with the heart, the massive financial and industrial system would face a risk to cash flow.
When signs of a bank run appeared, the attack from B City Consortium immediately halted without any further moves. The anti-trust investigation had hurt Future Group indeed, but it didn't hurt as much as the hit to First B City Bank.
The two opposing sides were like boxers in a ring. They knew they couldn't knock out their opponent with just one strike, so they had to balance the pros and cons for deciding if they should take the next swing.
In a manor in the B City's rural area.
The people inside the house controlled one-tenth of UA's power. The Lowell, Lawrence, Adams, Kennedy, and Lodge families were all gathered there. Among them were big capitalists, Federal Reserve shareholders, Democrat Senators...
They had gathered together to protect their common interests.
”This is infuriating! I can bet that the leak is their work!” John Lowell smashed his fist on the table while gritting his teeth.
”I think so too, but we don't have any evidence. FBA has no leads either,” Robert Adams said.
”How did they do it? The information security system for First B City Bank was the work of Websense. If their hackers could infiltrate our system, then there's no reason they can't hack into the Capital.” Mr. Lowell furrowed his brows.
Since Raytheon invested $1.9 billion into Websense, B City Consortium's subsidiaries had been protected by this cyber-security company. Since the business involved the military industry, consortia servers suffered a lot of attacks every year, but no attack had ever been successful.
”I'll notify the Capital,” Adams said.
”That's enough, my friends. We shouldn't be worried about the Capital right now. We should be worried about Future Group!” Lowell said with a headache.
”We can't compromise on the Saudi freshwater project,” Joseph Kennedy stated.
”But our textile plant in Lone Star State requires cash. Raytheon's radar project in the Pacific and the helicopter deal with the Capital also needs funding.” Lowell glanced at Joseph. ”Although I know the water project is important to you, by the looks of it now… If we continue to wage a war against Future Group, the losses we'll suffer will be insufferable even if ultimately win.”
”I agree with Mr. Lowell's perspective.” Robert Adams nodded.
”I can't accept this.” John Laurence shook his head. ”If we compromise, where's our dignity?”
”That's enough, Mr. Laurence. We are businessmen and it's just profits and losses after all. If you really can't accept this defeat, we can take care of them later. But right now, we should take it easy. At least in terms of information security, we must enhance our security!” Loki, who hadn't spoken this whole time, finally spoke up.
”Let's follow tradition and decide by vote. To protect our eternal alliance, regardless of the choice we make, I'll contribute my efforts to the alliance even if it's a choice I'm unwilling to accept. Now… for those of you who agree to settle, please raise your hand.” Laurence looked at the four people around the table and raised his hand.
The vote was three to two.