Impossible (Fuzed Trilogy Book 3)

by David E Stevens

  “Thank you.” He kisses her on the cheek and leaves.

  61

  BETRAY

  Floating inside her command office onboard the ISLO, Wendy watches the news report. The reporter says, “The new Secretary-General officially apologized to the Russian government for the reprehensible actions of his predecessor. He thanked President Volkov for helping uncover the conspiracy and promised he would take steps to prevent any future abuses of authority. One of the measures is a new requirement for all employed members of the U.N. to have RFID chips implanted in order to increase security. He also encouraged the members of the General Assembly to participate.”

  “The Russian government, in turn, thanked Dr. Turan and said they looked forward to closer ties and productive discussions about nuclear weapons.

  The latest polls indicate Dr. Turan holds the highest public approval rating of any Secretary-General in history.”

  Wendy shuts off the news and hits the intercom button.

  She hears, “Ward here.”

  Wendy asks, “How’s it going?”

  “The system’s working but it’s going slow.”

  “Ok. Keep me informed.” She looks at the clock and engages the communication link to U.N. Headquarters. When they answer, she asks to speak directly with Turan.

  After a couple minutes, he answers. “Hi Wendy, how are you doing?”

  “Fine sir. Is this communication link secure?”

  “Just a second.” After a minute, he says, “Ok, the line is secure. Is everything ok on the station?”

  “Yes sir. The new cooling system is online and we’re fully operational.”

  “Great. What can I do for you?”

  “Sir … I just got a call from Josh Fuze.” She hesitates and then with a heavy sigh, continues, “I’m afraid he’s gotten back together with Elizabeth and is still working with Sheri Lopez. They haven’t given up on their counter-conspiracy. I believe Elizabeth and Sheri are a bad influence on him.”

  “Oh! That is concerning.”

  “Sir, we have to convince Josh that the battle is over and the new world order has arrived. Intellectually, I think he knows it, but hasn’t accepted it emotionally. If he could actually see a demonstration of the laser’s power, I think he’ll come around.”

  “Hmm. What do you have in mind?”

  “On top of the new U.N. building is a large open courtyard. What would you think about putting one of the tracking capsules on a dummy target? Then we could vaporize it in front of him so he understands both the power and reach of this technology. Josh is a good man and I don’t want to see him hurt. We have to nip this in the bud for his own good.”

  “You’re absolutely right.” There’s a pause. “And Wendy…?”

  “Yes sir?”

  “Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I knew I picked the right person to command the ISLO.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “I reward those who are loyal and I know sharing this wasn’t easy. I have to admit Josh’s behavior, particularly, after we had an extensive discussion about being open is,” she hears him sigh, “very disappointing. After the demonstration, I’m going to put him in timeout.”

  Frowning, Wendy tentatively asks, “Uh, timeout?”

  “Take him out of the game for a while so he can’t do any damage, and give him a chance to think about his future. What would you think if I assigned him to the ISLO under your command for the full six month tour?”

  “Oh … that would be great.”

  “Good. Now what details do you have on what they’re up to?”

  Josh receives an invitation from Turan to meet him privately on the roof of the U.N.

  At 9:00 p.m., Josh takes the elevator up to the top of the building. As the doors open, he sees Elizabeth standing 15 feet in front of him.

  One of Turan’s personal security agents holds her by her arm.

  As he steps out of the elevator, he’s flanked by two more agents. Both are holding .45 automatic pistols.

  One says, in accented English, “Place your hands behind your back.” As he says that, the man holding Elizabeth displays a pistol casually held near her kidney.

  Josh knows he could take out the men standing next to him, but he can’t reach the one holding Elizabeth in time. He also notes they’re all wearing bulletproof vests. He puts his hands behind his back.

  After they handcuff him, they holster their weapons. One agent holds Josh by the arm and the other holds Elizabeth. They lead them out to the brightly illuminated courtyard with the third agent walking behind them.

  Leaves on the small trees that ring the perimeter of the courtyard rustle in a light breeze, carrying the hint of an approaching storm.

  At the center of the courtyard is a raised platform, a two-foot high stage 15 feet across. On the left side of the stage are three giant monitors. On the right side, sits Turan in a comfortable chair wearing his cyber glasses and playing with his phone. Turan’s executive assistant sits just to the right of the stage at a small desk with a laptop. Another security agent stands next to her.

  They bring Josh and Elizabeth in front of the platform, 15 feet from Turan. Releasing them, two of the agents stand directly behind them. The third moves to the side of the platform. Josh notes that the two bodyguards now flanking the stage and facing him have MP5 submachine guns slung over their shoulders.

  Josh glances to his right. In the shadows, just outside the courtyard’s illumination, five people sit in chairs. He can’t see their faces but it looks like three men and two women in business attire.

  Looking up from his phone, Turan says in a deadpan, “Resistance is futile. We will assimilate you.”

  Elizabeth shakes her head. “That’s not funny.”

  With a short laugh, Josh shrugs. “Actually … it is pretty funny.”

  As Elizabeth looks at Josh like he’s insane, Turan laughs and says, “See! That’s why I don’t want to have to destroy you. We have the same sense of humor.”

  Josh shook his head gently. “I hope you’re not going to tell me you’re my father.”

  Still laughing, Turan takes his cyber glasses off and puts his phone in his pocket. He leans back in his chair. “Well, work before pleasure.” He pauses. “By the way, I really am impressed. You got a lot further in your counter-conspiracy than I ever thought you could.” He sighs. “I should have known you were humoring me in my office; you don’t even like coffee.” He leans forward and looks at Josh intently. “Now … I need you to understand that no matter what you do, with the resources I have at my disposal, I’ll always be one step ahead.”

  Gesturing toward the monitors, he says, “I’ve arranged a little demonstration to emphasize that.” Turan nods to his executive assistant. “Bring up Abadon.”

  The first monitor turns on and displays a live video broadcast of Judy being held between two security guards. Behind her, stand six nervous looking twenty-year-olds, also flanked by guards.

  Turan says, “We finally found our little infiltrator.” He shakes his head. “She was going to send out all sorts of terrible — but true — texts about Abadon and me. She even pulled some of our best young people into her little rebellion. Fortunately, one of them turned her in.”

  Turan glances toward his executive assistant. “Joann, please bring up the tactical drone feed from the island.” They see an aerial view of Christoff’s island on the second monitor. The seaplane is tied up at the end of the dock and the yacht is moored between the seaplane and house.

  “A secret hideout on a … Caribbean island?” He rolls his eyes with a slight smile. “That’s a bit stereotypical, don’t you think?”

  The drone’s camera swivels left. A black quad-copter drone the size of a small fighter is hovering in formation.

  “These are two of our brand-new U. N. tactical drones. I actually started building my own conventional air force.” He frowns. “Oh, I forgot. You met one of my Migs over Turkey.” He shakes his head. “But conventional figh
ters are so twentieth century, and no offense, but fighter pilots can be a bit headstrong and unpredictable. So, I decided to go with an all drone fleet.” Pointing at the monitor, he adds, “These little beauties carry a smaller version of the lasers we use on the ISLO, plus some good old fashion missiles. Nothing like high-explosive warheads for a house renovation project.”

  The camera view swivels back and zooms in on Christoff’s beach house. They can actually see him in a Hawaiian shirt and flip flops sitting on the patio. He’s looking at a tablet but glances up and appears to look right at the drone.

  Turan nods to Joann, and the third monitor comes alive. It displays a picture of a large, beautiful brick home.

  Josh recognizes it.

  The picture zooms in on a window. Inside, they clearly see Sheri Lopez sitting on a couch in her bathrobe, reading from a tablet.

  Turan shakes his head. “I really thought after we framed her, the Russians would make sure she met with an unfortunate accident. Somehow, she talked her way out of it.”

  The picture zooms in further until Sheri’s profile fills the screen along with clearly illuminated crosshairs.

  Turning back to face Josh, he says, “As you know, I love movies, but I think there will always be a place for live performance.” On cue, two more security agents lead Carl and Kelly into the courtyard. Carl’s handcuffed.

  Josh’s heart sinks as he sees Kelly carrying a drowsy Caitlin, clutching a little teddy bear.

  They lead them to the far left side of the courtyard. Detaching one side of Carl’s handcuffs, they reattach it to a steel cable anchored to a concrete fountain.

  Turan nods toward Carl and Kelly. “They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I thought a demonstration would be appropriate, not just for you,” he gestures toward the people sitting in the shadows on the other side of the courtyard, “but also for my leadership team.”

  Jessica looks through binoculars at the illuminated courtyard below. “What the hell?!” She’s looking out an apartment window on the 72nd floor of Trump World Tower, the only building with an unobstructed view of the U.N. roof. Handing the binoculars to Elton, she looks through the more powerful telephoto lens. Shaking her head, she exhales sharply and glances at Greg. “Are you seeing this?!”

  62

  DEMO

  Josh shakes his head and with a puzzled look, says, “You really don’t have any problem killing people?”

  Turan narrows his eyes. “Actually, I hate wasting good resources. That’s why you’re still alive and why we’re on the roof this evening.”

  Elizabeth shakes her head sadly. “You’re a psychopath.”

  He raises an eyebrow. “Now, Elizabeth, that’s not a politically correct term. I prefer ethically unencumbered.” Looking serious, he adds, “Our society is sliding toward the belief that everything is relative and there is no right or wrong. It makes it easier for me to consolidate my power, but even without a conscience, I understand there is right and wrong, darkness and light, good and evil. A jihadist shoots a teenager in the spine and leaves him to burn alive, but that’s ok because it’s just his world view?” He shakes his head. “Killing children is wrong and always will be.” He pulls out a candy bar and holds it up. “Caitlin honey, would you like some chocolate?”

  Caitlin turns toward him and smiles. Then looks back at her mother.

  Kelly nods and with tears in her eyes, kisses her and sets her down.

  She runs to Turan and climbs up on the platform.

  Picking her up, he gives her the candy bar and kisses her on the forehead. As she happily eats it, he looks intently at Josh. “I told you I would protect Caitlin and I meant it. As long as I’m alive, she’ll be under my protection.” He nods toward the security agents standing behind Carl and Kelly.

  They bring Kelly over to the platform, leaving Carl handcuffed to the fountain.

  Turan sets Caitlin down and after Kelly scoops her up, the agents take them both to the right side of the platform.

  Turan takes a deep breath. “Josh, I’m still hoping you’ll join me. I need your help with the genetic project. We can change the face of our species!” He nods toward Caitlin. “Because the cells in the bodies of children are still differentiating, we may even be able to apply it to them and not wait a whole generation!”

  Elizabeth shakes her head. “You can’t do that!”

  Turan rolls his eyes. “You’re going to throw out some religious nonsense about how humanity shouldn’t meddle in the creation of life.”

  She shrugs. “No, I was just going to say, you shouldn’t.”

  He gives her an appreciative nod.

  Josh tilts his head, frowning. “You don’t believe in the slaughter of innocent children but you do believe the ends justify the means. You know what you’re doing is wrong, is … evil, but you feel you’re exempt?”

  “Exactly! But I do have boundaries.”

  Looking at Elizabeth, Turan says, “I brought you onboard as insurance in case Josh didn’t see things my way, and to get access to Jen so we could shut her down … thank you by the way. Surprisingly, you really helped with the TELEMED surgical suite.” He looks at Josh, “I have to tell you, after spending time with her….” He whistles softly. “Wow. She’s intelligent, upbeat and fun, and did you see her in that ball gown? Of course, she’s also beautiful sans gown.”

  Josh glances at Elizabeth.

  Turan gives a short laugh. “Josh, relax. Nano-drones, 24/7 video surveillance … remember?” He shakes his head gently, “After I implanted your daughter, I realized keeping Elizabeth as a potential hostage was overkill.”

  Josh notices Kelly looking at him with a frown.

  Elizabeth’s jaw drops. “You tried to drive a wedge between us!”

  “Actually, you were doing a pretty good job without my help, but I admit I did invite Colonel Crow to the ball and might have suggested that Josh was looking forward to seeing her.” He laughs. “I’m sorry, I know I shouldn’t laugh, but that episode was priceless.” He looks at Elizabeth. “Oh, and I might have deleted some texts and blocked Josh on your phone.” He shakes his head. “Elizabeth, you really shouldn’t leave your phone lying around, it’s just bad OPSEC.” Looking serious, he adds, “I generally take what I want, but I think I’ve exercised remarkable restraint.” He looks right at Josh. “And will continue to if—”

  “Ok! I get it!” Josh sighs. “If I agree to be loyal to you, you will let these people go?”

  Turan tilts his head. “Elizabeth yes, and those who are innocent,” he nods toward Kelly and Caitlin, “of course.” Then, frowning, he shakes his head. “You had your chance to disassemble the counter conspiracy. These people,” he sweeps his arm to include Carl and the monitors behind him, “are a threat to the state and to me.” With a shrug, he adds, “Which are now pretty much one and the same. I’m sorry Josh, but there is a price to pay for disloyalty and what would it say to my team if I let them live?” He leans forward and quietly adds, “This demonstration is also for them.” He nods toward the people sitting in the chairs to their right.

  Glancing over, Josh thinks he sees the Director of National Intelligence leaning forward with a smile. Josh shakes his head and in a calm voice says, “You can’t rule by fear forever. There’s one of you and seven billion people out there.”

  “You’re absolutely right, but I’m the benevolent leader that’s ending terrorism and protecting the planet. I have my hand on the pulse of the world.”

  Elizabeth frowns. “Nano-drones?”

  “Oh, goodness no. They’re way too expensive to waste on sheep.” With a slight smile, he adds, “And I don’t need them.” He pauses. “Think about it. Most people leave their phone in listen mode all the time. How many households have digital assistants or chatbots? Every new game platform and most TVs have cameras and microphones built in.

  Smiling he continues, “People were worried about the NSA spying on them. Believe it or not, the NSA has legal and ethical limitations. They shou
ld have been worrying about Big Data with a commercial incentive. We use the same sophisticated software originally developed by advertisers, but we use it to interpret the responses of billions of people 24/7. We’re not peeping toms, although you’d be surprised at what people do in front of their TVs.” He shakes his head. “All we want is their reaction to what they see and hear. It tells us what makes them happy, sad and angry. It tells us what they fear,” he pauses, “and what they’re willing to tolerate in the name of security. Once you know what drives people—”

  “You can inspire them?” Elizabeth finishes sarcastically.

  He shrugs. “Actually, I was going to say manipulate.” He puts his hands together. “Well … I’ve really enjoyed our talk and hope it’s been educational, but Josh — as movie fans — we both know long monologs can be dangerous.” He glances at his phone. “And the ISLO is coming over the horizon and will be in firing position shortly.”

  Pointing at the first monitor with Judy, he says, “Joann, please turn on the two way link to Abadon.”

  Turning to face the monitor, he says, “Hi Judy, I’m Doruk Turan. I gotta say you’re very cute but fomenting a rebellion among our kids is not acceptable behavior.” Addressing the six standing behind her, he adds, “Your bracelets are permanently locked on your wrists. There they will stay for the rest of your lives. At this point in our operation, we’re shorthanded and upon the recommendation of your facility director, I’m going to allow you to live.” He gives them a slight smile. “Consider yourself on double-secret probation. Any infraction, no matter how small, will result in this.” Holding up his phone, he touches a button on the screen.

  Judy’s eyes get big and her mouth opens as she tries to grab her chest. The two security agents, looking surprised, let go of her arms. She slowly drops to her knees and with a gasp falls on her side facing away from the camera.