by G. R. Carter
Finally, Nicole broke the silence. “Ok Tony, tell me what I can do to help ARK.”
Tony replied, relieved: “I want you to design a completely self–contained computer system. A parallel system that can’t be probed or hacked by anyone outside this firm. I need someone who doesn’t know the everyday routine of ARK. People who have worked here for years don’t see the hidden threats. They think we’re bulletproof inside this brick and steel fortress. You understand that the very air surrounding us is a threat to our security. I want you to look objectively at each and every connected process, wired or wireless. Any device connected to GRAPEVINE or the outside world in any way,” he said.
He looked around at the beautiful wood work of the dining room. Then at the real silver utensils, and expensive plates and glasses that adorned their private table.
How do I explain what I’m looking for?
“Nicole, this building is our hub. And frankly, it’s my family’s home. Our fortress against the changes the world has thrown at us for a hundred years. I mean that figuratively and literally…As of tonight, we’re moving all of our key people into the building. We gather here whenever we sense trouble on the horizon.
“I’m assigning you an apartment here, also. Have the doormen send a car over to your place to pick up your belongings. Don’t worry about your old lease, we’ll have one of the junior partners contact Housing Authority for you.
“You’ll have three of my best security experts as your direct contacts. You, in exchange, will report directly to me. I know this is sudden, but maybe that will give you an idea of how important I think this is,” Tony continued. “Don’t tip anyone off to what you’re doing, just start with a clean sheet and figure out a way to keep us up and running in case we have to severe ties to GRAPEVINE. Start with a clean sheet, all the way down to the power source. The rest of the firm, me included, will continue with business as usual. Anyone watching us won’t know anything is different.”
“I think I get the process…I’m still not 100% sure what exactly you expect to accomplish,” Nicole said.
Tony held up a crystal water glass between them. “You see this glass? When the time comes, I want this building and more importantly our firm, our Family, to be as invisible to GRAPEVINE as this water glass is. That’s your mission.”
Chapter Four – The Pullback
Capitol Building – Federal DC
The Day of the Great Reset
“How do the Solar Storms look today? Do you think we’ll be able to get the State of the Union transmitted without interruption?” President Luis Aguilar wanted tonight’s multimedia presentation to go flawlessly. He had a lot of really well put together charts and graphs, along with some of the best human interest images the press corps ever produced.
“Supposedly there’s a pretty big wave coming in around midnight, but I’ve been assured that GRAPEVINE has a plan to compensate. Shouldn’t affect what we’re presenting,” Chief of Staff Pina Bastet assured him.
Aguilar felt better with her double and triple checking the proceedings. Pina never failed him and they were undefeated since his first campaign for Congress. She grew up in a small town in Nebraska her family was relocated in after fleeing to America as political refugees. She interned in DC during college and never left. Training beside the fiercest political operatives on the planet gave her insight to the inner workings of power. That training taught her how to spot a dream candidate like Aguilar.
Handsome and a master of the spoken word, Aguilar was no more Hispanic than she was. Like people claiming Native American blood a generation before, Aguilar’s name gave him immediately credibility with the nation’s Latino majority. His great-grandparents who actually brought the name to America from Spain would be proud of Luis’ accomplishments even if they might be a little disturbed at the way he achieved them.
“Pina, please call for Speaker Reed. And have one of the porters bring up a couple of Gurkhas. Tell them I want His Majesty’s Reserve today. Yale beat Harvard this weekend, and the Speaker will want to celebrate, I’m sure. I have no doubt that cheapskate won’t bring his own,” Aguilar said. He and Reed shared a celebratory cigar each year their alma maters’ soccer team defeated their rivals.
Aguilar looked over the papers holding National Summary Reports in front of him. Paper was costly and scarce due to EPA regulations; plus, on-demand data streamed onto screens continuously. He found he comprehended information better when reading on paper. His photographic memory didn’t seem to work as well from electronic sources. Fortunately, being President meant you didn’t have to worry about the cost of trivial things such as paper. A President’s only concern was the well–being of the people, and no expense need be spared to make sure their leaders had the right tools.
Aguilar grumbled to himself: I’ve got a big expense sitting here right now. He glanced over at the men and women seated on each side of the room. Federal Department Heads, each flanked by a couple of key staffers, sat quietly, waiting to be acknowledged. Each blank staring face reminded him of students waiting nervously to present a dissertation when he was Professor of Economics at Yale. Subjecting themselves to this treatment made Aguilar detest each one.
No spine in any of them. All afraid of losing eight-figure jobs. The power and luxury must be more addictive than heroin. Oh well, I can’t be everywhere at once, even with the live links being up 24/7. OK, he thought, time to test them.
Aguilar already memorized the figures from each of the National Summary Reports submitted by Human Services, Defense, Interior and Homeland Security – No, Homeland Security is Marine–Services now. Why is that the one thing I can never remember?
Department of Human Services went first every day. The figure who approached his desk appeared a bit more overweight than usual. Maybe she needs to have her nutrition adjusted Aguilar thought. Bad form for someone in charge not to look the part. She was short, appearing more so in front of Aguilar’s elevated desk. As she aged with the position, her features became more pronounced. Bastet told the President her appearance would be beneficial for the West Coast Block. I guess she’s the expert on that.
National Summary Report One, or the NSR1, included the previous day's economic output for DC and all the state and regional capitals. Currency was almost exclusively electronic, so the Economic Development staff created an up-to-the-minute snapshot of the health of the money supply in the most important areas of the country.
“How goes integration of your staff?” Aguilar asked.
“Sir, each person has been assigned new tasks. The extra personnel allow us to adjust the nutritional value of the Ration Bars on a weekly basis for each person. This allows my existing staff to identify the Bio Profiles of citizens who need more individual intention,” the Secretary reported.
Aguilar subtly winced at the mention of the Ration Bars. Ration Bars were his idea – at least he found the research used to create them – offering a great way to make sure everyone had enough healthy food to eat. So much more environmentally sound, too. The inefficiency of farmers growing vegetables and fruits and particularly animals for shipment hundreds or even thousands of miles away just to be consumed made his head spin. Who designed such a wasteful system? Ration Bars could be produced for a fraction of the cost, and the vitamins and nutrients were a perfect way to make people healthier, saving medical resources for those that really needed it.
Aguilar didn’t so much care about the particulars; he was most interested in information about the composite health stats of the citizenry. Success stories of formerly overweight citizens, now on the road to health because of maintaining a proper balance of nutrition from the Ration Bars, were featured in tonight’s State of the Union. Fortunately for me, I have a Chef that balances my diet.
“I have personally directed Department of Agriculture personnel to add up to ten new flavors to the Ration Bars. That brings the total variety up to twenty, and we expect that to help drive down the demand for unauthorized food choices. I e
stimate that this figure alone will result in a 15% improvement in the aggregate Bio Profiles of our citizens,” the woman said proudly.
“What about the implant project?” Aguilar asked her. The Secretary of Human Services looked surprised at the question, suddenly realizing she had a mole in her department. The President’s Chief of Staff kept a file on nearly every person in DC, especially Department subordinates. Bastet discovered early on that a person with a detailed file could be counted on to provide information. Not that Aguilar really cared two wits about how things were being done, he just wanted everyone to think even the smallest of details didn’t escape him.
“I, uh, we...were saving that for a future report. When we had some test data for your consideration,” the Secretary said nervously.
Aguilar paused for effect. Time to set an example.
He looked at both sides of the room, making sure everyone was focused on him alone.
“People, we are supposed to be leaders, acting in the best interest of our citizens. To do that, we must have accurate reporting of every detail that may affect health, safety and commerce.”
Aguilar raised his voice enough to illustrate his displeasure.
“Our currency is now electronic. Our citizens purchase items straight from their Wristbands. We have the gift of seeing exactly what choices they are making…in real time!”
Aguilar paused again, continuing more calmly now: “Madame Secretary, when I put Agriculture and Commerce under Department of Human Services, it was for two reasons. First of all, because I wanted our citizens to understand that nutrition, health and economics are the three pillars that hold up the roof of societal security. Three pillars, Madame Secretary, do you understand that?” he asked.
“We can monitor how decisions affect the economic output of the entire country, all the way down to specific neighborhoods. The Wristbands tell us almost immediately how projects stimulate currency flow and cultural choices,” Aguilar said.
Wristbands were the jurisdiction of Department of the Interior, but all segments of the Federal Government had access to the continuous stream of data they provided. Over three billion had been activated all over the world, with each government being responsible for the digital dollars accessed by their respective citizens. The data flow was a thing of beauty to the bureaucrats monitoring the ubiquitous devices.
“Currency is flowing freely to each and every regional capital city. We’re controlling prices based on the costs we’re experiencing. Now, don’t you think something as important as replacing the Wristband system with Bio Implants should be discussed by my staff?” Aguilar said.
The DHS Secretary paused, making sure Aguilar was finished. “Yes, Mr. President. I didn’t think you had the time to be burdened with prototype ideas. We’re really early in the test phase. I was trying to value your time and give you the results to consider.”
The President looked her in the eye, “I believe you’re a little further along than prototype phase, aren’t you? I will be the judge of what’s important in this country! Who’s your second-in-command?”
“Eileen Yamato, Sir.” That’s a better name for the West Coast Block, he surmised. This one’s got the look but not the name to go with it.
“Ms. Yamato,” Aguilar looked over at the Deputy Secretary as she stood, “you are now the acting Secretary of the Department of Human Services. You’ll be sworn in this afternoon, and I’ll introduce you tonight during the State of the Union. Wear something blue, people like that.” Yamato nodded knowingly; Bastet picked her months earlier for the promotion. Aguilar just needed the teachable moment and a media opportunity to present the new pick.
The former Secretary sagged, not sure what to say. Aguilar refused to acknowledge her further, so slowly she turned and walked back to the couch, stunned. Aguilar never asked what became of staff he fired; that was Bastet–Bush’s responsibility.
NSR2 reported on Defense, which he had almost zero interest in. Just a couple of brief questions on what became of all the equipment returning from overseas. Aguilar’s only real curiosity revolved around the integration of the Army, Air Force and National Guard. Budget cuts of the Pullback Bill required the dissolution of separate branches of the military. Army, Air Force and National Guard were all consolidated under Army leadership. The Marine Corps joined the Navy in merging with Coast Guard, Secret Service and TSA into the Department of Marine Services. Aside from protecting commerce in and out of ports and airports, the most important job of Service–Marines was their protective duties for important DC residents.
After being assured only politically important bases survived the base closing list, he checked out.
“Mr. President,” the Defense Secretary asked before returning to his seat, “How many more bases do you think we’ll need to close next year?”
President Aguilar paused, impatiently tapping his finger on a padded armrest. “Clearly we need one base on each coast, and maybe one in Texas. That’s just to keep troops on hand in case those extremists in eastern Texas attempt to vote secession again. I want a big presence to show them that kind of thing won’t fly…make sure the Texas base is staffed with men from other states, men whose Bio Profiles are in the top range. Other than that, I think Marine–Services can handle all other tasks, don’t you?”
“Of course, sir. I’ll start thinking about locations for all three bases right away. Then I’ll come up with an order of the bases we’re closing. I’m sure the Chief of Staff will have some suggestions,” Defense said, turning to walk back to the couch.
I’ll be glad when that Department is gone, too. Makes me nervous having that relic around. Just a place for a bunch of testosterone junkies to get together and cause trouble. America doesn’t need a standing army…With a connected world no one is going to be fighting wars anymore. There’s nothing the average citizen cares enough about anymore to fight for anyway, Aguilar assured himself.
Aguilar shuffled NSR 3 to the top of his stack as Speaker of the House Thomas Reed made his appearance past the Marine–Service guard posted at the Oval Office entrance. Reed returned the salute of the impassive young man dressed in an original Marine Corps uniform. At least, that’s what the uniform was when Reed himself served.
“How’s the loyal opposition today?” Aguilar smiled at Reed as he came to attention in front of the immense desk. Reed was a rarity – Aguilar actually liked the man, though he considered him a bit dense. Most important, Reed understood the big picture and was willing to play ball with what Aguilar needed done. In the two years since they had managed to pass the Pullback Bill, nothing had stopped their Con–Pro coalition.
“Very well, sir, thank you,” Reed beamed.
“I’m looking forward to having the First Lady sit beside you during the State of the Union tonight. I think the show of unity is so important to our people.”
“Of course, sir. There’s no place I’d rather be. I’m looking forward to your presentation,” Reed said proudly.
This would be the first year the State of the Union wouldn’t be held in the Capitol Building. Instead, the President would speak at the newly completed People’s Hall, an immense public works project that could seat 100,000 comfortably, with smaller concert halls surrounding the main venue. People’s Hall existed as Aguilar’s gift to the city of DC, an example of the success brought about by the Pullback Bill. The best engineers in the country collaborated to make the entire complex impervious to the Solar Storms. Each seat and every room contained cutting-edge connectivity; no expense was spared in utilizing the most recent updates and making sure everything was hooked into GRAPEVINE’s Artificial Intelligence system.
For all the modern conveniences, the architecture of People’s Hall had the pomp and splendor of classical Grecian architecture. The almost religious effect was made complete by a ceiling featuring the world’s largest screen, a virtual sky created to prove America still knew how to lead the world.
“Mr. Speaker, will you please sit in while I hear repor
ts from the Department of Marine Services and the Interior?”
“I’d be honored, sir, thank you,” Reed said as he took a seat near the President.
NSR 3 was brief; Secretary Altes met with the President a couple of times every day. This appearance was for show, highlighting how well different armed services were combining into America’s national security apparatus. The most important Level A citizens were polling in the high 80% on feelings of safety. Once Service–Marines were patrolling the streets of every major city in full uniform, Aguilar was confident they could get that number into the 90s. Safe donors are generous donors, he happily assured himself.
NSR 4 was the one that really held Aguilar’s interest today. I’m going to have to switch the order from now on…make DHS and Interior go first. Or maybe just combine it all into two NSRs. Johnson can handle the extra work.
Pina Bastet recruited Dr. Herman Johnson directly from the Artificial Intelligence Chair of Stanford to lead the Department of the Interior. Johnson had the rare distinction of being able to make Aguilar nervous – both brilliant and politically savvy – which made him an asset but one requiring careful management. Aguilar balked when Bastet first presented Johnson as a candidate; Aguilar knew the man’s reputation of conquering companies and universities. But Bastet assured Aguilar that Johnson had the same progressive ideas for government, and had no interest in a larger political career. Johnson personally assured Aguilar he simply recognized a historical turning point with the Pullback legislation and wanted a hand in shaping the future.
As Johnson approached the desk, Aguilar instinctively rolled the flat metal disk he held in his left hand. To most, the disk looked like a simple metal washer. Those who followed the Path of Continuity recognized a disk symbolizing the power to exist forever as a Profile on GRAPEVINE. Dr. Johnson led him to the Path and now they shared the unbreakable bond of those who would exist forever. Continuity changed whatever goals Luis Aguilar strove to accomplish before his enlightenment. Now his mission would see that the world recognized the power of Continuity and all citizens of the world agreed to accept The Path.