Meanwhile on the same day at the same time, 370 kilometers away from Pittsburg.
On 26th street Broadway New York. Rockefeller rapped his fingers against the table as he waited for his assistant to arrive in his office. He was told that he carries information that is vital for Rockefeller's dominance in the oil industry and he can't wait to hear from him.
After several minutes, his assistant arrived in the office with a file of documents clutched in his hands. Rockefeller motioned for him to take a seat as he flipped through the files.
"What's the status of the Avalonian Oil Company?" Rockefeller asked, cutting straight to the chase.
"They're still struggling to keep up with the demand, sir," his assistant replied. "But I've gathered some intel on their next move."
Rockefeller leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Go on."
"They're planning to expand their drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico," his assistant continued. "They've been granted a license by the Mexican government to drill in the region, and they're set to start operations in the next few months."
Rockefeller's expression darkened further. He knew that obtaining a license to drill in the Gulf of Mexico was no easy feat, and it was clear that Avalonian had been making some strategic moves to gain a competitive edge.
"Get me in touch with our legal team," Rockefeller said, his voice steely. "We need to explore every possible avenue for challenging their license and blocking their operations."
His assistant nodded, scribbling down notes furiously. "I'll get on it right away, sir. Oh aside from them, the industrialist duo, Mr. Nielsen and Axelsen have rejected your offer."
Rockefeller's brows narrowed upon hearing that. "Really? So they chose to compete with us huh?"
"That seems to be the case, Mr. Rockefeller. So what should we do? At any given time, they'll have a claim over the land as they are nearing completing the necessary documents."
"Well, I'm sure those regions that they are wanting to acquire have some oil reserves. Since they rejected our offer, let's make it hard for them. I want you to consult our legal team, and see if there's any way we can block the industrialist duo from getting those lands."
His assistant nodded, making a note of the instructions. "Understood, sir. I'll also see if we can gather any intel on their drilling…"
Rockefeller interrupted with a shake of the head. "No, just bar them from getting those lands first. If it fails, then we can move forward with that."
"Very well, sir," his assistant said, jotting down the new instructions. "I'll get right on it."
Rockefeller leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. He knew that the oil industry was a cut-throat business, and he had to do everything in his power to maintain his dominance. He couldn't afford to let any competitors gain an advantage over him.
As his assistant left the room, Rockefeller's mind raced with possibilities. He knew that he had to act quickly and decisively if he wanted to stay ahead of the game.
He picked up the phone and dialed a number. "Hello, this is John D. Rockefeller. I need to speak with Senator Johnson right away."
The operator connected him to the senator's office, and Rockefeller soon found himself on the phone with one of his closest political allies.
"Hello, Senator Johnson," Rockefeller said, his tone formal but urgent. "I hope you're doing well. I need to discuss a matter of great importance with you."
"Of course, Mr. Rockefeller," the senator replied, his voice warm and welcoming. "What can I do for you?"
Rockefeller took a deep breath before launching into his explanation. "As you know, I am deeply invested in the oil industry, and I have reason to believe that my competitors, Avalonian Oil Company, are attempting to gain an unfair advantage over me."
"I see," Senator Johnson said, his voice serious. "What is it that you need from me?"
"I am hoping that you can use your political connections to help me block their operations. I need to make sure that they are unable to obtain the necessary permits and licenses to drill in certain regions."
"I can do that, Mr. Rockefeller, but you know, this sort of thing doesn't come cheap. It'll take a lot of lobbying and my reputation is at stake," Johnson said.
Rockefeller knew that Senator Johnson was a shrewd politician, and he was not surprised by the request for compensation.
"I understand that, Senator, and I am willing to provide whatever financial support is necessary to ensure that my interests are protected."
"I appreciate your understanding, Mr. Rockefeller," the senator replied. "I will do everything in my power to make sure that the necessary permits and licenses are withheld from your competitors. And Mr. Rockefeller, this would be the last, you got it? I don't want to be caught in a scandal just like what happened to our good old friend Joe Rockefeller nodded. "I understand completely, Senator. I appreciate your help in this matter."
The two men exchanged a few more pleasantries before ending the call.
Rockefeller hung up the phone with a sense of relief. He knew that Senator Johnson was a powerful ally, and he was confident that he could rely on him to help protect his interests.
Hours later, the legal team of his company arrived at his office.
"Mr. Rockefeller, it's nice to meet you again," his company's lawyer, Bernard, walked forward and extended a hand, offering a handshake.
Rockefeller stood up and shook his hand. "Likewise, Mr. Bernard. So has my assistant informed you of the circumstances that we are facing?"
"You want me to block the industrialist duo from getting the licenses and permits to operate on the lands in the Appalachian Basin, Texas, and Wyoming, right?" Bernard asked and Rockefeller nodded his head in confirmation.
"Well, there are legal ways to go about it, and I have reviewed the laws and regulations regarding those aforementioned regions. One thing we can do is to file an injunction against their applications, citing environmental concerns."
"And?" Rockefeller uttered, prompting him to continue.
"We can argue that their drilling operations would pose a significant threat to the environment, particularly to the local water supply, and that their lack of experience in the industry raises concerns about their ability to comply with regulations and ensure the safety of their operations. With this, it'll be easy to convince the local and federal authorities to not hand them the permits and licenses. And then you can move in and purchase the land yourself."
Rockefeller leaned back in his chair, considering the plan. It seemed like a solid strategy, and he trusted his legal team to execute it effectively.
"So when can we do it?" Rockefeller asked.
"Well first, you can let them buy the land first and once they announce an oil mining operation, that is where we will come in with the injunction. Of course with the help of the locals living there, who will be protesting."
Rockefeller nodded, impressed with the level of detail and planning that his legal team had put into the strategy.
"Very well, Mr. Bernard. Let's proceed with that plan," he said. "Let's teach those young folks a lesson."
