by Randy Dutton
“In agricultural news, farm output dropped 6% from last year as harvesting problems and transport delays caused crop loss. A Department of Sustainable Agriculture – DoSA – spokesperson blamed farmers for purposely lowering output to raise prices. DoSA has asked the president to impose price controls on crop prices. No word yet from the White House on whether this will happen, but yesterday the Internal Revenue Service announced a special division has been set up to audit farmers.
“In other news, the FBI has confirmed that the massive computer attack earlier in July against carbon-based companies was blunted by an FBI sting operation. Several financial trading firms claimed they weren’t so lucky, as their records were seriously compromised or destroyed. The FBI additionally said the hackers intended to bring down the carbon fuel producers and their intermediaries, and many of the hedge funds that conduct currency and carbon credit trading. It is reported that many of the companies have reverted to paper-based recordkeeping because of the unreliability of their computer systems.
“In response, stock prices of these financial companies hit all-time lows, losing more than half a trillion dollars in the first ten days of the attacks. The FBI added that during the unprecedented sting operation, they were able to arrest more than 450 US hackers involved with the attacks. However, many international hackers are still trying to collapse the US economy. Several of the arrested hackers claimed they thought they were helping the environment and didn’t realize their actions caused electronic valves to open at refineries, chemical plants and fuel depots, releasing toxic spills. The investigation is ongoing.”
Pete looked at Anna, still reclining, an arm over her eyes.
She sensed his attention. “They were always a narrowly focused group...so easy to manipulate.”
He caressed her free hand in response.
The news broadcaster continued. “Throughout Africa and Asia, food riots continue for the third month, made worse, we’re told, because dwindling water supplies are increasingly diverted to grow biofuel feedstock. Reports are surfacing that this feedstock is being stolen and used in homemade biofuel reactors. The UN Department of Sustainable Agriculture reports that villagers across several regions are collecting biomass as an alternative fuel for their bioreactors. One spokesman hailed using biomass for fuel as proof that agriculture can replace fossil fuels.
“Meanwhile, mortality rates are rising throughout Africa, Asia, and South America as biofuel feedstock crops increasingly are being used as staple foods. Biologist Tristan Meignen from the Public Awareness Institute said his analysis shows many of the crops designed for biofuel production have severely-reduced nutritional value. A UN spokesperson decried the report, saying that Dr. Meignen is not certified by the UN as a qualified researcher, thus no credibility can be attached to his claim.
“Meanwhile, the trading of food commodities has multiplied over the past two months as a food price bubble develops. Over $2 trillion of food options have traded in the past month alone. Some analysts speculate that the rising food prices are being orchestrated to increase hedge funds’ margins.
“In carbon news, oil prices spiked another 5% for the month to $254 per barrel, as inventories of fossil-based fuels are nearly exhausted. The UN Department of Sustainable Energy – DoSE – reports that the bioreactors using the Snath microbes to create gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel seem to be making up the difference. The DoSE expects the price to peak within the next couple months, then slowly decline.”
Anna lowered her arm and turned her head to Pete. Her breathing was more relaxed. “I wonder how your dad’s coping with the oil field closures.”
Pete looked grim. “Said he’d close the plants if he had too, and restart them when conditions improved. It’ll be rough for him.”
The announcer continued. “The UN Department of the Atmosphere today said that particles of Snath Genetics’ carbon-trapping genetically modified moss now are found across 53% of the globe...”
Pete interjected, “I’ve seen Fuzz every place we’ve stopped...even Mt. Revelstoke.” He added more cheerfully, “On the plus side, it certainly made sneaking up on the farmhouse easier.”
“Yeah, and Fuzz made it easier...for Boris to tag me.” Her arm went back over her eyes and her lips pressed together as another spasm hit.
Pete focused on the radio.
“A spokesperson said there should be no concern, since the material is a result of particles shedding from the Snath filtration systems deployed across the globe to industrial sites. This species, now with the global nickname of ‘Fuzz’, poses no health risk, and has no allergic properties. Air quality standards are relatively unaffected, though satellite imagery indicates very light particulate clouds drifting off industrial areas where the filtration systems are concentrated. Biologists report fragments continue to propagate at an extremely rapid rate, especially in areas of high humidity, but much of the particulate clouds are precipitating out with rain. Government biologists consider this beneficial because it’s transferring absorbed carbon dioxide to the oceans. Although mats of this moss are collecting on the ocean surface, marine biologists say a high percentage is slowly sinking to the ocean floor.”
“Where it’s lost forever,” Pete snarked.
“In associated atmospheric news, a recently released carbon-trapping aerial bacterium designed by Snath Genetics is being detected in aerial samples around the globe. Biologists say it doesn’t seem to present a threat to Earth’s fauna, but they will continue to monitor the growing airborne concentrations. Glaciologists report samples of the bacterium are being found on glaciers, leading them to claim this will establish excellent timeline delineations on glacier recordkeeping.”
Pete harrumphed.
“In global financial news, the UN reported a significant decrease in carbon credit purchasing and fines in August as many Western carbon-based businesses have shut down their operations. As yet, several Asian and Eastern European countries have failed to report their carbon emissions and have not deposited the taxes with the UN Carbon Commission. In response, the Commission has initiated a regional tax collection service that will visit each household to determine their emissions.”
“And I thought the IRS tactics were burdensome,” Pete said half-heartedly.
Anna said nothing.
“In climate news, the weather service reported August levelized global average of 406.7 ppm of carbon dioxide, increased 0.2 ppm from July. When asked if the new carbon-trapping technology was working, the answer was a definite yes, although UN scientists add that CO2 is increasingly being released out of the soil as biomass is used for feedstock and roots start rotting. Researchers say this balancing act will continue for years.”
“Decades,” Pete grumbled.
“We’ll be back after the break to discuss the effects of ethanol on small engines.”
Pete and Anna half listened to commercials for a chainsaw retailer in Nanaimo, a resort on the Pacific side of the island that catered to storm watchers and one of Victoria’s notable gardens encouraging listeners to come and explore the wonders of the late-season garden.
“Welcome back. This is Jill Brent of Global Heartbeat Network. Today I’m talking with Max Peters of the Open Cycle Engine Association. Mr. Peters. Your organization has reported the biofuel ethanol damages open-cycle engines.”
“That’s correct, Jill.”
“First off, are you against ethanol as a fuel?”
“I’m opposed to the government forcing it into the fuel supply at levels that cause more damage than advantage. Government bureaucrats are so adamant about reducing fossil-based carbon fuels that they will throw away economic common sense to placate their constituencies. It’s all political theater. But, to answer your questions, I don’t object to ethanol as an additive, but only up to a certain level.”
“What would that level be?”
“About 2%.”
“Why so low? It’s been used for years at levels above ten percent.”
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��Ethanol adds oxygen to the fuel mixture. But beyond 2%, it throws the open-cycle engines off. Economically, other lower cost components such as pentanes, also have to be reduced. Ethanol production and use also causes the formation of ground level ozone, which in known to cause respiratory illness and death.”
“Mr. Peters, what makes an engine open-cycle versus closed-cycle?”
“Open-cycle engines typically are small and non-computerized, Jill. They’re used in lawnmowers, weed whackers, 2-cycle boat motors, ATVs, motorcycles, chain saws and similar equipment. But the difference is in how the engines work, not how they’re used. The fuel makes just one pass. Those engines don’t recycle unburned fuel back through the engine, and they can’t compensate for changes in fuel types. Ethanol has one more oxygen atom than gasoline. When ethanol is burned, the temperatures are hotter. That heat causes damage. In contrast, closed-cycle engines – like those in automobiles – can adapt to the heat and can change the fuel mixture via computer.”
“What types of damage does ethanol cause?”
“Several. These relate to both type engines. First, ethanol is a solvent that permeates through some materials at a much faster rate than many other fuels.”
“What type materials?”
“Various plastics, rubber, nylon, fiberglass, polyurethane, and other elastomerics. Ethanol makes these very brittle.”
“Any metals?”
“Ethanol is corrosive partly because it readily absorbs moisture and because it is conductive and creates electrolysis – a flowing of electrons that accelerates rust. Some of the susceptible metals are brass, copper, zinc, lead, aluminum, some steels used in fuel tanks, and bronze. In fact, they found ethanol promotes microbial growth in pipelines.”
“Really?”
“Yes, Jill. Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology discovered that the bacterium, Acetobacter aceti, grows in alcoholic environments and can convert ethanol into acetic acid. This in turn increases the growth of fatigue cracks by a factor of 25 over being in open air.”
“Not 25%, but actually 25 times higher?”
“That’s right, Jill.”
“Sounds catastrophic. Any other damage?”
“Well, the US auto industry found half the cars tested were damaged by 15% ethanol, called E15. In addition to fuel system damage, the higher burn temperatures were destroying catalytic converters, which contain expensive platinum and palladium. So we’re talking economic damage in the hundreds of billions of dollars...maybe into the trillions. I won’t even repeat the expletives the historic vehicle owners use when talking about ethanol. This is all because politicians want to reduce CO2 from fossil fuels. I consider that a huge regressive tax on the poor who are forced to scrap their once-usable older cars and buy new ones, and have to buy more gallons of fuel to go the same distance.”
“Why would they have to buy more?”
“Because ethanol lowers gas mileage. Drivers have to buy more gallons of fuel to go the same distance.”
“I see. Why would the government force the destruction of older cars?”
“I’m speculating that the auto unions wanted to increase the sales of new ethanol-tolerant cars. And just perhaps, the states saw increased sales and vehicle tax revenue as an economic benefit.”
“Do you want to comment on biodiesel?”
“Do I have 30 minutes?”
“You’ve got 30 seconds.”
“Possible loss of lubrication can lead to saponification and can damage engines.”
“Sapon...what?”
“Saponification is the process of making soap, and leads to the growing of biolife in the fuel because of moisture not being removed during the processing. It can clog fuel filters.”
“Changing the topic a little, you recently advocated proper lawn maintenance to reduce carbon footprint. Can you elaborate?”
“Certainly. We found watering a lawn responsibly, then cutting frequently and leaving the lawn clippings on the lawn keeps it growing and sequesters four times the carbon than a modern lawn mower emits.”
“But environmentalists recommend letting a yard grow naturally and not mowing. Isn’t this in conflict?”
“Yes, but they’re not using science, they’re using a gut reaction.”
“Well that’s all the time we have.”
“Thank you for tuning in. This is Jill Brent, On The Beat.”
Pete studied Anna condition. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was still shallow. He wanted to discuss the news report but was afraid of waking her, so he put on classical music.
“Pete...I am awake,” she said softly.
“How are you feeling?” he leaned towards her and softly stroked her hair.
“Like a child’s standing on my upper chest, and I was hit by a 2”X4” in my upper back. My head, face, and legs hurt. So, okay I guess.” She winced at a pain spasm.
“Did you listen to the news?”
“Most. Not very upbeat.”
“Sounds like the FBI did a good job with the information you provided. You should be proud of yourself.... I am.”
She opened her eyes but stared ahead. “I’m more optimistic, but it’s short-term,” she said quietly. “It’s dampened by the news on the Fuzz. That’s long-term.”
The sadness in her eyes was evident. “When I instructed Sven to make it, I never considered it going wild. I want a mulligan.”
“You golf?”
She smiled faintly. “Yes, there’s still some mystery to me. I made it a point to learn because golf courses, bars, and the bedroom are where the real deals are made...and, on one, I get to whack something hard with a club. But in this context, I want a do-over...a chance to change the course of history so, at least, I’m not part of the problem.”
“Don’t beat yourself up, Darling. It’ll all work out, and you’ve become be part of the solution.”
His thought conflicted with his reassurance. Morality’s a double-edged sword. As she tries to make things better, she feels more responsible for her past actions. It’s tearing her apart.
Chapter 56
September 1, 1800 hours
Juan De Fuca Strait
They drove onto the M.V. Coho. Pete scrutinized the boarding cars and passengers from the driver’s seat. None of the Russians appeared and the GPS tracker had stopped at the local airport.
“The ferry doesn’t allow passengers to stay in the vehicle deck.... We have to leave the SUV.”
She moaned. “I’m in no shape to fight.” She handed him the Walther, which he slipped into an inside jacket pocket. She put on a brunette wig but wasn’t up to doing anything else.
They were the last out of the vehicle bay, which was then closed to passengers.
With two hot chocolates from the cafeteria they sat on an outside bench with a view of the staircase.
During the two-hour transit, the ship rocked in the rough waters of the Juan De Fuca Strait. Anna leaned against Pete’s side, cradled by his right arm.
Finally breaking a long silence, Pete asked, “Anna...have you put me into one of your boxes?”
Anna sighed while considering the question. She pulled his arm tighter around her, but focused on the water. Pained breathing slowed her response. “In a way, yes, Pete. I have.”
He tensed.
Turning towards him, with a tear rolling down her bruised cheek, she added, “It’s a new box that didn’t exist two months ago. But it’s a box that grows every day.”
He brushed away the tear. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“It’s not you.” Her voice got smaller. “I was just thinking of Heather.... She earned her own box today.”
She leaned back into him. “Did you ever take psychology?”
“In college I took a class.”
“Do you know what a high self-complexity personality is?”
“No,” he answered hesitantly.
“Well, I’ve got one.”
“Should I be w
orried?”
“No...you should be glad. Let me put this into context. It’s how I perceive myself, and how many distinct cognitive structures I think I have. Honey, I’ve got a lot. I’ve had many different social roles, wide-ranging professional and personal relationships, disparate activities, numerous goals, and superordinate traits.”
“Disparate activities...like the missions for Swanson you won’t tell me about?” he asked petulantly.
“Please...not now,” she begged, sadness still evident.
“Sorry. I’m not trying to be difficult.” He kissed the back of her head and gently rubbed her shoulders for comfort. “What’s superordinate?”
“You must have had a very basic psychology class, Honey...There are five, remembered by the acronym OCEAN. Starts with openness to experiences—”
“Bet you scored at the top with that one,” he mused.
She nodded. “There wasn’t much I wouldn’t try.”
“As long as you stayed in control?”
“You’re learning.... Then there’s conscientiousness.” Her eyes narrowed as she waited for his quip.
“You think I want to touch that one, don’t you?” He smiled for the first time since the rescue. “I guess scores can change radically over time. Yours has soared over the past couple months.”
She grinned. “Sweet answer. Next is extraversion...you think I’m an extrovert or an introvert?”
“Hmm. That’s tough. Your exotic social life might indicate a desire to be out in public, but I believe you’re really a very private person. The social life was a means to an end...so, I’ll say you’re a closet introvert.”