Under the circumstances Kevin had no intention of dancing to anyone else's tune and neither he nor Marcus was inclined to travel. Instead they suggested a video conference which eventually was organized for the US Embassy in Wellington.
For the meeting they had attended that morning the Ambassador had been gracious and extended the usual hospitality shown to guests. Although he seemed a little put out that Washington didn't require him to sit in, it was Kevin's impression he knew nothing about the reason for their visit.
In a private conference room the two had found themselves facing Vice President Jim Walker and Secretary of State Anne Marshall on screen. At any other time, this meeting might have been intimidating, but all Kevin felt was quiet, controlled anger.
The Vice President had taken the lead. "Welcome gentlemen and thank you for coming. I'm sure you know this is Anne Marshall and I hope the fact that we are both here gives you some indication of how seriously this administration views the situation. No doubt you've also digested our concerns. We understand how you must feel, but, as you hopefully can appreciate, our hands are tied on this one. The question is; how do we proceed?"
Kevin and Marcus said nothing. They had agreed it was better to give away as little as possible and get a feel for the attitude of the White House on this. Ultimately they needed to gain as much information as possible about US intentions before conceding anything.
The Vice President continued. "I can understand how frustrating this must be. You feel that you have done nothing wrong and, we don't deny you have performed to contract."
Boom! Strike one, thought Marcus.
" . . . I can tell you, but probably shouldn't, there is some sympathy for you in high places here. The thing is, our friends in the Chinese Government are aggrieved. They have concerns that an act of cyber terrorism has been perpetrated on them originating in the United States and they are quite certain that Arteis is the aggressor . . . look, we know this isn't the case . . ."
Boom! Strike two, Marcus thought again.
" . . . but nothing is simple in politics, particularly when it involves international diplomacy. You've done a good job . . . ."
Boom! Strike three!
". . . but we need to move on, and will . . ."
"Five hundred million." Kevin interrupted.
"I'm sorry, what was that?" the Vice President looked confused.
"Five hundred million dollars." Kevin continued. "That's the price of getting out of this contract. Yes, we have reviewed the points outlined in your communication to us. As you have just confirmed today, all of the points you raised are irrelevant in terms of the ten year contract we have with you. Arteis has performed to specification and contract. We've fulfilled all your requirements and the US Government have enjoyed the protection Arteis provides. Should you choose to expose yourself to risk again, that's entirely your prerogative, but five hundred million is the price of breaking the contract so early. Now, we may be able to reduce that amount if you were to give say, five years notice?" Kevin smiled, knowing that a reduction in term was impossible for them.
"Five years, that's simply not reasonable, or possible!" Secretary of State Marshall spluttered.
"Then five hundred million it is." Kevin answered.
Marcus intervened. "Mr. Vice President, Ms Marshall, as legal counsel to STEIN, I'm bound to point out there is no evidence of breach of contract from STEIN Arteis. In fact, it can be shown that by your application of the product, serious cyber attacks have been prevented. If your application of Arteis has led to problems for your attackers, whoever they may be," he smiled, "then it certainly performed as you intended it should and as STEIN designed it." He smiled again.
"If there are problems then we always like to work with our clients to find a solution that avoids unnecessary court action, in this case possibly action in the United States and International Courts. Usually there is a preference to keep this type of thing out of the public arena and we would certainly recommend that. A fair settlement might enable a winwinwin as they say. The Chinese can feel that they got their pound of flesh, the US can preserve diplomatic relations, and STEIN can at least be compensated. All parties, if not completely happy, will be at least partially so. On the other hand, if we can't settle reasonably today bearing in mind STEIN, as you have confirmed, are innocent victims of diplomacy here, then certainly we will . . ."
"Five hundred million is outrageous!" Walker interrupted.
Boom! Marcus thought, growing more confident by the minute. They're prepared to pay and they are embarrassed! He and Kevin exchanged a look and a nod.
Kevin took over. "Mr. Vice President, Arteis is a four billion dollar company. You may have heard of the partial sale only a few weeks ago to USDynamics. There's a lot at stake here and this US decision will have dire consequences for many shareholders. We will sue," he hardened his look, "not because we are bastard's, sir, but because it's right that we do. However, we value our relationship with the US and appreciate you are in a difficult situation. Bear in mind sir, that it is not a situation of our making and we'd like to help you avoid the courts, as Marcus was saying; no one needs this type of publicity dragged out. . . ."
Discussions had then continued throughout the morning.
Now, back in the War Room, the group found Kevin and Marcus difficult to read. "You asked how it went," Kevin repeated. "It went well under the circumstances but they weren't telling us the whole story, not by a long way."
"I had the distinct impression there was someone in the background calling the final shots," Marcus added.
"I noticed that too, now that you mention it," said Kevin, "The President, do you think?"
"Hard to say Kev, but it might just have been. She wouldn't want to be seen to be involved in this; I doubt she's even comfortable with it. This whole thing is the work of backroom dark arts men, believe it!"
"So what happened?" Stephanie asked, growing impatient.
Kevin took over. "Well, the first thing is, neither in the letter we were sent, nor in the meeting today did they reveal all the other background information Regan gave us. They didn't talk about it and we weren't telling. They were uncomfortable and at the moment at least are anxious to keep this whole thing out of the international courts. If they do let it go to court they'll have to reveal they shut down China!"
"Strictly speaking Kev," Kutch chipped in, "China shut themselves down, but never mind that, go on."
"So really it just got down to negotiating reasonable compensation." Marcus said.
"So they paid, yes!" Mary looked delighted, she was always counting the money.
"We came down a little," Kevin conceded, "on the understanding that they paid immediately, and both sides agreed to confidentiality. That's why we took longer than expected. We weren't going to leave until the money went into our International Account."
"You came down!" Mary sounded concerned. She was already tapping away on her tablet, checking the account.
"Regan said two hundred million minimum!" Stephanie protested.
Kevin looked at her and smiled.
"Don't worry, babe," said Mary, consulting her tablet, "It's three hundred and fifty million!"
They reacted with relief and muted celebration as no one had any illusions that this was anything more than a moral victory. Arteis was still under attack and more was probably still to come.
"Mary?" Kevin asked and she looked up, her fingers still working. "The money, shift it, as soon as possible."
"I'm already on to it Kev, already on to it!" She had been working the screen since he mentioned the transfer.
"Ok guys, Marcus and I are starving; it's been a long day. Before we all grab a bite, let’s have a quick update from everyone. Mitch? You start."
'Done!' was heard in the background and Kevin smiled.
"Mitch? You were going to say?"
"Everything is on track," said Mitch. "Separation of businesses in the States hasn't been difficult and Marcus has already sorted t
he legal side. We use different offices to Arteis anyway, and ours are in different states so I don't see that as a problem. Generally people don't associate Ezas with Arteis or STEIN. We've always marketed under the Ezas brand and that's how we're known out there. I think we're good."
"We're good too." said Kutch. "We only had five of our own staff in the States and they're all on the way home with their families as we speak. The offices will still be open but only US admin staff are there. None of them are involved in the technical side and they don't have the expertise to be at risk themselves. I'm sure they won't be of interest to authorities if the worst happens. All systems there have been wiped and anyway, mostly we work through the cloud which is Arteis secure. Really there is nothing left there."
"What do you see as 'the worst'?" Kev asked.
"Kev, I really don't know. But Arteis is about security and penetrative retaliation. The penetrative retaliation side has proved very, very expensive for the attackers, far more than they might have expected; they can't be happy."
Kevin turned back to his CFO. "Mary, how did you get on with Hayden Joyce?"
"He was gutted." she replied. "He didn't say it but I got the feeling he anticipates being the sacrificial lamb for shareholders. The USD board is happy with us and wants to stay involved but they're in a difficult position. Hayden feels that if what I told him is correct, and I only passed on the information in the US letter, then he doesn't see how they can be seen to associate with us. Not if we're still pursuing business in Europe, possibly in conflict with the interests of the United States."
"Oh how the world has changed." said Stephanie with a sigh. "Who would have thought China's influence would grow like this?"
Mary continued, "Off the record Hayden is shocked and appalled. To USDynamics a contract is a contract and he has no doubts about who their true allies are. He also mentioned rumors of a McCall revelation on his show tonight. Hayden's convinced McCall has some other agenda and one thing is certain, that show has USDynamics and Hayden Joyce in particular right in their sights. Publicly Hayden is going to have to play it very carefully. His last words to me were ‘if I'm here much longer’."
"Then its best we give USD a little space for the moment," Kevin said. "If anyone is questioned about our relationship, say nothing. We don't want to give anyone a sound bite that links our two names, not for the moment anyway. In summary then, as far as Arteis is concerned, we're out of the States. Now we get on with business as planned and wait. It's their move."
*
FBC Newsroom, New York
"Well, well, well. How quickly things change. Welcome to Business Focus, ladies and gentlemen, and do I have news for you! Little birds are singing and the song is all about cyber terrorism." McCall could hardly contain himself as he grinned at the camera.
"I'm John McCall and this evening we're going to be looking at cyber terrorism and the reported links with STEIN Arteis. As proud global citizens, ladies and gentlemen, how would it look for the United States to become the source of cyber attacks on another friendly world power? Inconceivable you say? Well, inside sources report our great nations’ reputation has been compromised in just that way. How? By the very Arteis systems we were discussing only a few weeks ago. You all know my experience with that company. They appear aggressive, avaricious and over confident. That, it seems, is STEIN.
Secondly I ask, how could a once great corporation like USDynamics have allowed their brand to become tarnished by association with Arteis? What am I talking about? Don't go away. These and other important questions will be examined when we come back. . . ."
His earpiece chirped, "You're off John. Back in twenty five . . ."
The screen flashed to the sponsors ads.
*
USDynamics Head Office, Washington
"So, what can you tell me?" The voice barked and poor reception made it crackle.
"Not much. The board is going to tough it out. Everyone's agreed to stick to script and get on with the business. No one is to mention Arteis, anywhere, and all press contact is to be handled by Joyce."
"And what is the board saying about Joyce?"
"Publicly, they're backing him. Privately . . . well, I'd say his support is slipping. How long he can last with the share price tanking is anyone's guess. I'd keep the pressure on."
"Hmm . . . that other thing we were talking about, your man in IT. Can you get to him?"
"Shit, this is getting risky! The more people involved the more chance I'll get hung. Yes, he's still there but I haven't brought him in on this. Hopefully we won't have to?"
"Good to know. But I think we will need him. I'll let you know. In the meantime it might pay to get in touch with him. Strengthen the contact, that sort of thing. Stay close to your phone."
"I'll get on to it, but I'm not happy. Oh, and one more thing, off the record, Arteis is still active in here. For the moment anyway . . . I'd let your friends know if I were you."
"Thanks, talk soon."
A click and the cheap mobile went dead. The young man checked that the call was recorded and then stowed it. Smiling, he made for his lunch date. Everything was going just nicely.
*
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC
President Sarah Allen, Vice President Jim Walker and Secretary of State Anne Marshall sat together in the Oval Office.
The tension was palpable and President Allen in particular was clearly agitated.
"Jim," she asked, "how did this become such a shit storm? It was supposed to be tidily dealt with in private. Neither STEIN nor USDynamics deserve this; we're supposed to be business friendly for Christ's sake! How did it get out, particularly with that spin on things? I hold you personally accountable."
"Sarah, I've no idea what sources McCall has or even if he's just flying kites . . ."
"Flying kites, shit, he had so much detail he'd need to be clairvoyant to get so much right. Don't give me that. There's a leak and I want them, now!” She got to her feet and stomped around her desk angrily, smacking her hand down on the desk top as she turned back to the pair. "Have we paid them out Anne?"
Anne jumped, startled, she had been deep in thought. "Yes . . . yes, a bit steep but maybe we got off lucky, we couldn't afford for this to be paraded through the courts for months, there's an election coming."
"Well, at least we acted honorably in that. God, how did we get this bloated in debt? They've got this country by the throat."
Anne leant forward, beating her fist into her hand. "I'm concerned about the Chinese agenda here, Sarah. They're playing cagey on this for sure. I don't think they've revealed everything they're after. We need to be careful that we don't get cherry picked here."
Jim Walker was quick to jump in. "You're overreacting Anne. The delegates have been perfectly open and we've got a great deal. The Arteis thing is small fry."
The President raised her hand to stop him and glared. "Sure, the Arteis deal isn't big in the scheme of things, but is that what they're really after? There's something else going on here." She wasn't convinced and leant forward on the desk, clearly rattled. "Jim. . . . close it down. I want no more comment about this. Are we clear?"
The meeting was clearly over and Sarah Allen wanted this to go away, period! As Walker and Marshall left the office Sarah was already chewing over the meeting in her mind. Anne was uncharacteristically quiet. What's up?
*
The Ship
Regan lay on her bunk staring at the ceiling. The stubble now growing on her head itched annoyingly, but even though it irritated she was determined to leave it growing, for now anyway.
The two weeks since the blow up with Ham had been uncomfortable. Settling into a regular routine that maintained a cordial relationship without the long, quite intimate conversations they had both enjoyed before the operation. Growing her hair was an act of defiant independence but, she did wonder, at what cost? The more her doubts developed the more she threw herself into gym and track workouts to burn o
ff tension.
Lying there Regan ran her hands down over her rock hard stomach. The hard work was restoring a look and fitness level she hadn't enjoyed since her days of competing and she liked it. Twice each day she worked with Marin, in the morning massaging and manipulating his legs and arms to keep him loose. In the evening she would bathe him, some substitute for the conversations she would previously have enjoyed with Ham before bed. She worried more and more about the consequences for Marin from the long period of immobility and whether he would ever fully recover. In the afternoons she spent hours at the screen at her desk, reviewing information from Earth stored in the ship. Politics, business, science, she studied anything that took her fancy on the day. It was voyeuristic but she found it fascinating and informative. As often as Ham would let her she stole regular views of documents on Dahlian society, science, and engineering. Despite this, the workings of the warp drive and IVSD displacer remained a mystery and the list of things she didn't understand about their technology grew by the day. It was a constant source of frustration.
"It's too much." she found herself saying out loud.
"What's too much?" Ham's voice broke into her thoughts.
Regan paused, a dull ache in her chest. "All the things I don't, can't understand. I want to take it in. It's my nature to want to understand things, to work them out, like a puzzle. But, well, there's just too much. Too many questions and not enough answers."
Silence . . . then Ham offered, "Regan, you know where the answers are if you want them."
"Ham," . . . She struggled with her thoughts . . . "I've missed our talks."
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