Chapter 171: Resource Exchange

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After exiting the airport, Nicholas spotted a motorcade parked outside, marked with the letters "HD."

"Is this Congressman Nicholas?" the head of security asked as he approached.

"Yes, that's me," Nicholas replied.

"Welcome, Mr. Senator. I'm here to escort you to the HD Security Headquarters. Please, get in the car," the greeter said.

Nicholas and his assistant entered the car, which drove them directly to the HD Security Headquarters in Hollywood. Over the past year, HD Security had evolved from a modest operation into a well-guarded, highly organized base.

As they approached the gate, the driver picked up the walkie-talkie. "Headquarters, this is car number 15. We have the guest and are entering the base now."

"Copy that, headquarters received," came the reply.

Nicholas and his assistant exchanged glances, impressed by the advanced communication equipment. Even the police didn't have access to such technology.

The car parked beneath the office building, where Hardy, Lanster, and others were waiting to greet them.

"Welcome, Mr. Senator. I'm Jon Hardy," Hardy said with a smile, extending his hand.

"Mr. Hardy, I've heard a lot about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet," Nicholas responded warmly.

As they shook hands, two photographers appeared, snapping continuous photos of the encounter.

"And these are?" Nicholas asked, slightly puzzled.

Hardy chuckled. "Mr. Congressman, your visit is important. We need to capture the moment. I'll have these photos published in the newspapers—there's no need for you to send them in yourself."

Nicholas felt a wave of relief. Hardy had a way of making things easier.

Inside the headquarters, Hardy gave Nicholas a tour, introducing him to various departments: the Business Department, Logistics Support, Intelligence Analysis, Technical Defense, and Operations Command.

Nicholas was impressed. "No wonder HD Security is so successful. Your structure is more like a military operation than a typical security company."

After the tour, Hardy invited Nicholas to observe the security team's training. The base covered 30 acres, complete with office buildings, warehouses, and a training ground. The team members who weren't deployed elsewhere were here, honing their skills.

Nicholas watched as the team engaged in obstacle courses, combat drills, and firearms training. Having served in World War II, Nicholas felt a pang of nostalgia. "This training regimen is more intense than what we had in the military, but it's clearly very effective," he remarked.

"Our methods are designed to maximize the soldiers' capabilities, both individually and as a team," Hardy explained.

At the end of the training, more than two hundred team members gathered, exuding a powerful, disciplined presence. Nicholas eagerly posed for photos with them, and the videographer captured it all.

Hardy had instructed the photographer to take plenty of footage, not just for the newspaper, but to have a rich archive for future use. He knew that if Nicholas climbed the political ladder, these images would be valuable for promoting HD Security.

In Hardy's office, the secretary brought in coffee, then left the room, leaving Hardy and Nicholas alone. Hardy offered Nicholas a cigar, and the two men chatted as they smoked.

"Hardy, I heard you're from Orange County?" Nicholas asked.

"That's right."

"My home is in Yorba Linda. We're practically neighbors," Nicholas said with a smile.

"Indeed, we are," Hardy replied, also smiling.

"So, which branch did you serve in?" Nicholas asked.

"I was in the Marine Corps."

"I served in the Navy," Nicholas said.

The conversation shifted to their military experiences. 

"Hardy, Los Angeles has changed a lot since I was last here. It's more lively now, and that's largely thanks to HD Security. It makes me happy to see our hometown thriving," Nicholas said.

"This isn't just my contribution, Mr. Congressman. Your work in the government is equally important. Everyone sees your efforts," Hardy replied.

Nicholas extended his hand. "Then let's work together to keep making our hometown better."

Hardy shook his hand without hesitation. "To contributing to our hometown's growth."

Hardy continued, "Mr. Senator, if you ever need anything, just ask. You're a hometown hero, and I'm more than willing to support you in advancing your career."

Nicholas understood Hardy's offer. This was the real reason for his visit, and now they had reached a mutual understanding.

Later, Hardy took Nicholas to a fine restaurant for lunch, followed by a tour of the Barbie Factory, Playboy Magazine, the TV factory, and ABC TV's Los Angeles headquarters in the afternoon.

ABC TV was not yet on air, but preparations were in full swing. In one of the studios, Hardy explained a talk show concept where the host would invite movie stars, scientists, and politicians.

"Mr. Nicholas, if you ever need publicity, ABC TV could help. A talk show appearance could introduce you to the American public, which would be great for your campaign," Hardy suggested.

Nicholas's eyes lit up. Television was indeed a powerful tool for publicity. A talk show could help him connect with voters more effectively, just like movie stars and singers who were adored wherever they went. 

"Hadi, thank you. I might take you up on that offer soon," Nicholas said, excited by the prospect.

"I'm sure that day will come sooner than you think," Hardy replied, subtly wishing Nicholas success in his political career, which made the congressman very pleased.

Nicholas then leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Hardy, I'm friends with George Whelan, the Mayor of San Francisco. If HD Security is interested in a contract with the San Francisco Police Department, I can introduce you."

HD Security had already opened a branch in San Francisco, securing contracts with Wells Fargo and Bank of America. However, they had been unable to finalize a deal with the San Francisco Police Department. The current police chief, Shige, was resistant to the idea, feeling that relying on HD Security would weaken the police force.

But with Nicholas's introduction to the mayor, Hardy could bypass the chief and secure the contract directly.

Seeing the opportunity, Hardy said, "Mr. Nicholas, why don't we set up a meeting with Mayor Whelan tonight?"

Nicholas appreciated Hardy's decisiveness. It was clear why Hardy had built such a vast empire in a short time—his ability to act swiftly and effectively.

Nicholas called San Francisco, and soon connected with Mayor Whelan. After exchanging pleasantries, Nicholas said he wanted to introduce a friend.

"Who?" Whelan asked.

"The boss of HD Security, Jon Hardy."

"Jon Hardy? I'd be delighted to meet him," Whelan replied.

"Are you free this evening? We could have dinner together," Nicholas suggested.

"Are you in San Francisco?" Whelan inquired.

"No, we're in Los Angeles, but Mr. Hardy has his own airline. We can be there anytime," Nicholas said with a smile.

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Just over an hour later, a C-52 landed at San Francisco Airport, bearing the HD Aviation logo. If Hardy's B-29 Aerial Fortress hadn't been under renovation, he would have flown that instead.

Mayor Whelan hosted Nicholas and Hardy at an exclusive club. This was Hardy's first time meeting Whelan, a man in his fifties with a slightly portly build and curly hair, who exuded a warm, approachable demeanor.

Though "kind" might not typically describe a politician, Whelan genuinely gave that impression, making Hardy think to himself, *This man was born for politics.*

After exchanging pleasantries, the three men had dinner together and later took a walk by the lake.

"Whelan, are you planning to run for State Assembly next year?" Nicholas asked.

"Yes, I'm considering it. What about you? Will you be running for the Senate?" Whelan replied.

Nicholas nodded. "I am, but I'm young and lack experience, so I'll need some help from friends."

Nicholas smiled at Hardy, who looked at Whelan and said, "Mr. Mayor, if you decide to run, I'd be happy to contribute $50,000 to your campaign. Also, once ABC TV launches, I can help you produce a promotional video and air it, boosting your visibility on the East Coast."

Whelan was thrilled. Fifty thousand dollars was a substantial sum, enough to fund other state legislator campaigns and TV advertisements.

Whelan composed himself and smiled. "I've heard great things about HD Security. The partnership with the Los Angeles Police Department has been very successful. I think it's worth considering a similar model for San Francisco."

Hardy smiled, recognizing the value of resource exchange. Each man got what he needed, and a new friendship was forged.

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