Wired

by Robert L. Wise

  “I want us to talk about an upgrade of security, a more comprehensive surveillance of our population,” Bridges began. “We discussed turning to gadgets the size of one hundred nanometers to be painted on people's forehead. Brilliant suggestion! I think the moment is overdue to crack down.”

  “Yes sir.” Graham sat down on the severely stylized chair in front of Bridges's desk. “Why are we talking privately?”

  “I trust you completely, Graham. I can't say that about many people today. Our considerations can only be known within an extremely limited circle. Only my secretary knows you are here.”

  “I see,” Graham said slowly. “I appreciate your trust.”

  Bridges leaned forward over his desk with his hands folded in front of him. He had on his red suspenders and a tie designed to give him an aura of power. “You will be only one of three people who know about the electronic surveillance system I'm about to put in place.” He lowered his voice.

  “Yes sir.”

  “Most Americans are unaware that a couple of decades ago the government linked these systems together in an interconnection that would assist in the technical prerequisites for a national surveillance system. Not long after the turn of the century, the government came up with a program called Total Information Awareness that was operated through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, as the government called it.”

  “I know very little about these matters, sir.”

  “And you're an insider, Graham. Most Americans know nothing.”

  “Of course.”

  “During the last couple of decades, the government made remarkable progress in tying all of the information in these computerized systems together.” Bridges leaned back in his chair. “The first generation of computer work was the simple transfer of information across the Internet where electronic mail was sent around this country. The second generation increased the outreach around the world via the World Wide Web.”

  “I am aware of these systems.”

  “But you never heard of the transformation of the Total Information Awareness project into the Complete Alert Complex?”

  Graham shook his head. “No!”

  “This latest system now connects computers to computers with the capacity to access data and sort out what is being communicated. Buzzwords are fed into the system and any transgressions in those areas will come up in government computer systems.”

  “Really?” Graham frowned. “Doesn't that tread on the invasion of privacy issues?”

  The mayor shrugged. “We've been manipulating data for years, son. Is this really any different?”

  “I think so, sir. We're talking about the ability to enter people's homes through their private computers.”

  “And that's the beauty of the system, Graham. We now have the ability to check on what anyone is doing! It's like we have planted the big eye in everyone's living room.”

  Graham learned back in his chair. “I take it this is basically secret material?”

  Bridges nodded. “You bet!”

  “How'd you learn about this system?”

  Bridges beamed. “Graham, back at the turn of the century a software designer who also was the inventor of the Lotus Notes operation came up with an approach that allowed analysts within government agencies instantly to share intelligence data. Since then, computer experts have figured out how to break into isolated databases and access that information. They do it all the time.”

  “Frank, where did you find out all of this information?”

  “That's one of the reasons I invited you in here today, Graham. I want you to know what is going on.” He punched a button on the panel inlaid in his desk. Instantly an entire wall panel shot up into the ceiling. A strange, black electronic unit sat about two feet off the floor behind the panel. It looked like the bottom of an old electric blender. “Take a look.”

  Graham stared. “What am I seeing?”

  “It's a holographic transmitter.” Bridges flipped a switch and a brilliant beam of light shot up out of the base. “You're looking at a new means of communicating around the world on an extremely personal basis. We are about to talk to a person whom you will see in three dimensions via laser transmission.” He stood up and slipped his coat on. “Now, doesn't that beat anything you've ever seen?”

  Graham stared in amazement. “You actually talk over this thing?”

  “Not only do I talk, we converse with a light image like friends sitting in a restaurant, even though the individual is on the other side of the world.”

  Graham blinked several times. “Exactly what are you saying?”

  Bridges winked. “You need to know precisely what my plans are.” He glanced at his watch. “We've got an important holographic call coming through in a few minutes, but I want you to know all of this is part of a much larger plan. Graham, I'm looking far beyond this coming reelection. I have larger plants that could possibly involve the presidency of the United States.”

  Graham's mouth dropped. The presidency!

  “Many things have been happening behind the scenes, Graham. I have been contacted by some powerful people who want to push me forward. It's one of the reasons that we need to win the reelection campaign by a big margin.”

  Graham realized his earlier suspicions were being confirmed. Bridges hadn't leveled with anyone; the man was working from another agenda altogether.

  “And that's the reason we are having a conference today over the holographic transmitter. You'll note that the man's image will be in color. It's time for you to meet the key player in this big game.” Bridges began pushing buttons. “You will find this man to exceed your wildest expectations of what a human being can be.” The light shooting upward from the base of the machine became more intense. “I want you to meet Borden Camber Carson.”

  “Carson?” Graham blinked several times. “You're kidding?”

  “I realize no one knows what he looks like, but you're being given entry into quite a limited circle.”

  The laser beam abruptly took on a greenish glow and a shape began to appear in the center of the light. A man emerged wearing a coat with a high formal collar that buttoned around his neck like a Nehru jacket, sitting in a large leather chair. His hair appeared to be black and his skin dark or deeply tanned. He was handsome add had black eyes with piercing intensity. His nationality was not obvious, but he had a Mediterranean appearance that could have allowed him to pass for an Italian, a Palestinian, a Jew, or someone of Arab descent. He smiled and instantly radiated a magnetism that drew everyone toward him.

  “Dr. Carson.” Frank Bridges stood and bowed at the waist. “We are so pleased you could spend this time with us.”

  “Frank,” the deep resonant voice almost had a lyrical musical quality, “it is my highest pleasure to see you once again. I trust all is going well in Chicago?”

  “We are having our problems, sir, but we are enduring.”

  “You are a man of strength and cleverness, Frank,” Carson said. “I know you will be able to handle these trying times.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Bridges bowed his head slightly. “I want you to meet one of my closest colleagues, Mr. Graham Peck.”

  “Welcome, Graham.” Borden Carson extended his hand. “I welcome you to the fraternity of the Inner Circle.”

  Graham felt himself being strangely drawn to this figure appearing out of the dancing light. “Thank you,” he answered awkwardly.

  “Mr. Peck, these are most difficult times for all of us,” Carson continued. “Those of us chosen to direct the affairs of nations must be armed with prudence as we seek to thwart the intrusion of diabolical opponents. I am sure you will appreciate the complexity of these difficult matters.”

  “Of course,” Graham answered.

  “Sir,” the mayor said. “Can you update us on what is happening with this terrible war that has broken out with the Russians fighting Muslim terrorists. We understand it has spilled over into Israel.”

  Carson no
dded knowingly. “You are correct. For some time now we have been concerned that our oil fields could be vulnerable to attack. For that reason, we encouraged many of the countries in this area to arm for a possible missile response. The Russians simply overstepped themselves and got reckless.”

  “And the Israelis responded?” Bridges asked.

  Carson smiled with a cynical grin. “We always knew that the Jews had nuclear weapons hidden in underground silos. Like a flyswatter killing gnats, they hit the land of Gog with an awesome blow. Only animals of prey would dare venture into those radioactive parts of Russia where their missiles exploded. The Russians will never again be a problem.”

  Graham stared. This man was talking like he ran the world with the same skill Graham drove a car. His answers carried such authority it suggested he might have data that the United States had not yet gathered.

  “Frank,” Carson continued, “we are currently centralizing databases across the world, fusing them together into a single system which will allow us to ferret out all suspicious and potentially dangerous intrusions happing anywhere in the world. We will be able to monitor a surveillance system with almost universal control. I believe the time has come to move the entire metroplex of Chicago into this unit and give you access not only to your city, but the region.” Carson maintained his engaging smile. “Soon you will be responsible for the entire United States.”

  Frank Bridges swallowed hard. “Thank you, sir, for such a vote of confidence.”

  “I always expect you to perform with such skill,” Carson said. “You gentlemen should also be aware that we are installing a new system here in Istanbul with a type of ‘black box’ surveillance that will alert us to all suspicious patterns of behavior in your country. We will soon be positioned not only to control but to anticipate hostile behavior, stopping terrorists from striking with unclear weapons. Apocalyptic fanatics traveling around with secret means of mass destruction could be an ultimate danger to the entire globe. Prepare yourself, gentlemen. The clock is speeding up!” Borden Camber Carson smiled and nodded his head. The image faded and he was gone.

  Graham stared at the blank stream of light, almost unable to grasp what he had just seen. While he was apprehensive about Carson in the past, in a few moments the man overwhelmed him with a serene sense of confidence, control, and intelligence.

  “I know you are surprised,” the mayor said, “but I have been consulting with Borden Carson for some time. He has chosen Istanbul to be the center of his oversight of the petroleum industry stretching across the world. However, Carson is changing his focus and moving very quickly in the political world. He has told me confidentially that within a few weeks, he will be propelled to the office of prime minister of Turkey. As you know the Turks have chosen a secular road and no longer have a religious agenda although they were formerly of a Muslim orientation. He will be in a highly influential position to affect the entire region as well as the world.”

  Graham shook his head. “I don't understand what any of this has to do with American politics?”

  “Politics can no longer be regional, Graham. We can't limit ourselves to one hemisphere. For example, we must work out an oil agreement to save our city vast amounts of money. Carson has assured me we will be given special consideration on pricing. That's how the world works today.”

  Graham took a deep breath. “We're not just trying to get you elected in Chicago,” he concluded. “You're talking about a worldwide power base with all of us under the surveillance of an all-encompassing eye.”

  Bridges smiled confidently. “Graham, play your cards right and I'll take you to the top, and that peak is getting up there above Mount Everest!”

  CHAPTER 28

  FLYING DOWN the Metro's tracks, Graham wondered if Carson had already given Bridges instructions on implanting electronic surveillance devices that the mayor hadn't told Graham about. He certainly had plans to wire the whole city. Maybe the “big eye” was already operating in his train car. Obviously, Bridges had elaborate political plans he hadn't told anyone about, and the idea disturbed Graham.

  But Borden Camber Carson left him confounded. The man's eyes danced with intense intelligence. As he reflected on their surprise holographic conversation, he realized that the man pierced Graham's external defenses like a CT scan peering into a human heart. His voice had been eminently enticing, but his eyes had a penetrating quality of mystery as if they concealed a vast amount of clandestine information. Carson had read him like an open book. He didn't know whether to fear such a man or to be delighted to be considered as one of his Inner Circle. More than confounded, Graham, felt apprehensive.

  Graham shut the front door of their home behind him. Graham had tried to put everything he had heard in perspective, but the pieces didn't fit. The faces of Maria, George, and Jeff had been pushed aside by Borden Camber Carson's beaming countenance.

  Through the years Carson had been sequestered and managed to keep his face out of the newspapers and off the television. While he nearly became a household word, virtually no one actually knew what the man looked like. Graham was surprised by both his handsomeness and charm. The man's face seemed almost timeless; that made it difficult to guess his age. He could be in his late thirties, his forties, maybe even older, but it was a guess.

  He walked into the kitchen. “Son!”

  “Hi, Dad.” Matthew turned and opened his arms.

  Graham hugged his son. “Hey, we're glad you're home.” He glanced around the room. Jeff was playing on the floor. George sat in a chair by himself next to the corner. “You boys okay?”

  Jeff said, “Yes.” George nodded his head, but looked disconnected. Graham hugged George. The boy didn't speak.

  “It's going to be okay,” Graham said. George didn't smile.

  “Don't worry.”

  George nodded his head, but still didn't say anything.

  Jackie walked in. “We're glad you're home safely. I told Matt about yesterday. I hope today was successful?”

  “Very strange,” Graham said thoughtfully. “Maybe we can talk about it later. Where's Mary?”

  Jackie shook her head. “She called from the school and said she had a late drama practice tonight. She wants us to go ahead without her.”

  “I told her to be here.” Graham's voice turned hard. “In fact, I demanded we all hear what Matthew has learned.”

  “I reminded her, but Mary said she had no alternative,” Jackie said. “I pushed her, but she hung up on me.”

  “I don't like it.” Graham rubbed his chin. “I guess we don't have any choice, but she'll answer to me when she gets home.”

  The family sat down together and quickly ate supper. Matthew talked about his classes and Jeff asked some questions. George said nothing. Jackie kept glancing at her eithg-year-old son and Graham could see the worried look on her face. The battle at the school had spun George back to where he had been after his grandmother's death. It would take love and a considerable amount of talking to bring him back around.

  “I'm sorry Mary won't be here,” Matthew finally said. “You know she's not too crazy about my ideas anyway.”

  “The issue is that I gave her no alternative,” Graham said, “but I know you've go to get back to the university tonight, so I guess we don't have any choice but to start without her.”

  “I'm sorry,” Matthew said. “What I have discovered is the most important information that I've ever heard in my life. She needs to hear these facts.”

  Graham stood up. “Whether she likes it or not, we're going to record everything that's said tonight and she can listen to it later. We're not going to be outfoxed by little Miss Mary.” He hit the switches on a box next to the telephone “I'm taking the phone off the hook. We'll record through it and that will also keep us from being interrupted by any calls.”

  Matthew pulled up a small briefcase and set it on the table. “I have something in here to show you,” he began. “I think I have stumbled across the most amazing information in th
e world.” He reached inside the briefcase. “The may be hard for you to accept, but I've found the answers to some of the most difficult questions we have all been facing.”

  “Son.” Graham scooted closer to the table. “What do you have?”

  “Will you and Mom please hear me out before you make any final judgments?”

  “Sure, Matt.” Graham looked at Jackie. “We'll agree.”

  Matthew pulled out a black leather-covered book. “It's the Bible.”

  Graham's eyes widened. “The Bible?” He looked at Jackie. “What are you talking about, Matthew?”

  “As strange as it sounds, I met with a few kids and some adults who have found in this one book answers to what's going on in our world. As I listened to them talk, I found the answers to why the world has gone crazy.”

  Graham stared at the book. “Sure. I've heard of the Bible. Mother had one she kept somewhere but I've never read it.”

  “Matt, you don't really mean that this book has explanations for what is happening in our world today?” Jackie shook her head. “It was written ages ago. This doesn't make any sense to me.”

  “Mom, let me show you something.” Matthew started thumbing through the pages near the back. “Haven't we all wondered why the color of the moon has changed to a reddish glow? We've heard the weathermen scramble for answers, but nothing fits together.” He stopped and opened up the Bible. “Listen. ‘The full moon became liked blood.’ See, there it is.” He pushed the Bible toward her.

  Jackie looked at the words. “My goodness.”

  Graham frowned. “Matthew, you could have found a quote like that in a book of poetry… any book for that matter.”

  “But it jars you, doesn't it?” Matt picked up the Bible and started thumbing back through the pages. “Let me show you something else. You've wondered what happened to that multitude of people who simply disappeared. Right?”