Brotherhood Beyond the Yard (The Simon Trilogy)

by Sally Fernandez

  “First,” Simon explained, “I installed a backup hard drive that is programmed to copy all the files from the primary drive nightly. Should anything happen to one of the hard drives there will always be a copy on record. Second, I added security software on each of our computers, and when we first turn them on, we will be asked to enter a password. The password is Fratellanza. Third, but equally important, we will need to restrict access to our theses once they are published and placed in the Archives in the Pusey Library.”

  Simon went on to describe what he said was a straightforward process. They needed to write a letter requesting the restriction. Then they needed to ask the chair of their respective departments to write a letter as well, supporting their request. The letters should be addressed to the University Archivist, Harvard University Archives, Pusey Library, Cambridge, MA 02138.

  He counseled them that they would need to negotiate a second agreement with ProQuest/UMI, the company that Harvard contracts to publish theses and dissertations in book form, as well as in digital form.

  Simon quoted directly from the ProQuest/UMI Publishing Agreement, as the others listened intently. “ProQuest/UMI may elect not to distribute the Work, if it believes that not all necessary rights of third parties have been secured. If Author’s degree is rescinded, and the degree-granting institution so directs, ProQuest/UMI will expunge the Work from its publishing program in accordance with its then current publishing policies.”

  Simon held it was his understanding that they would accept a letter from the department chair and expunge all work other than the original publication archived in the Pusey Library. He again stressed, “These are just precautions.”

  Then Simon distributed to each of them an outline of their respective roles in the master plan to use as a guide.

  Chase was slated to incorporate instructions on how to set up untraceable bank accounts utilizing the loopholes in the banking deregulations, those he had referred to earlier in his thesis.

  Simon playfully remarked, “If this game were for real, we would surely need lots of money.”

  “I will investigate the various offshore banking practices, and I assume I will need to construct the financial course work for our candidate,” Chase offered. “As long as it is only a game, I guess it will be fun to explore,” he muttered.

  Paolo was assigned the writing of all campaign speeches to support the mood of the people and the issues of the day, as predicted in his thesis model.

  Simon observed that it would be prudent to project out to the 2004 election, and then to 2008.

  “What is with the arbitrary dates?” Paolo inquired.

  “It was the basis of your own thesis,” Simon responded, “when you stated that scholars, using cyclical data, can predict an eight-year cycle.” He reminded Paolo that Clinton was currently in his second term, which would comprise eight consecutive years for the Democrats. In theory the opposing party, the Republicans, would win the next election in 2000. “Assuming your theory has merit,” Simon teased. “Following through on the theory, the Republicans would hold office for the next eight years.” Obviously pleased with the tenor of the conversation, he continued. “So, it should be based on the 2008 presidential election. The precursor would be a senatorial race in 2004.”

  He repeated to all of them, “It is simply a baseline from which to operate. Paolo in particular would need to know what years to operate within to determine the variables that would influence the election. Certainly using current issues would be ill timed.”

  “Paolo Salvatore, speechwriter for the president of the United States. I like the sound of it,” Paolo quipped.

  “It is nice to see that you are getting into the role,” Simon jested. “But you will also need to design a comprehensive curriculum with programmed tutorials for the Chosen One.”

  “I assume the assignments should embrace the role of government, interworkings of the Beltway, and the official roles within the White House, along with the nuances they hold?” inquired Paolo.

  “Precisely,” replied Simon.

  Seymour’s role was to design a brand for the new president, the campaign mantra: a consistent and timely message that would move the masses.

  “It is essential that the brand be in step with current events, within the time frame stipulated, to ensure its appeal,” Seymour insisted.

  Simon suggested he work hand in glove with Paolo for that reason. He also urged Seymour to conduct a dry run when he tested his “tipping point” theory and actually create a 527 organization to market the nonexistent candidate.

  Seymour liked the idea, but asked, “Can I have more specifics on the vision of this person you have in mind for our imaginary contender? It would actually make my job more precise if you would compress all the vital elements for this person. It would help to create a mental picture.”

  “As soon as I create the identity you’ll be the first to know, but based on our conversations, each of us can contribute to the formation of the perfect candidate,” replied Simon.

  Seymour offered to design assignments and actually provide training exercises in the form of “acting” to prepare the candidate for the sound bites he would be filming. “Mr. President, please stand tall behind the podium and wait for my cue. And you can call me Director Lynx,” Seymour joked with a smile.

  The others, obviously enjoying Seymour’s own acting performance, listened as Simon suggested he also construct some course work to capitalize on the religious tensions, both within the United States and throughout the Middle East that would be useful. Seymour agreed to work with Paolo when delving into church versus state issues as well.

  Hank accurately predicted what Simon was going to assign him and was already preparing to create the model for a grassroots movement. During the design of his plan, he was intoxicated by the prospect of theoretically electing the first minority president. Working closely with Paolo and Seymour, he knew he could rally the troops to “Get out the Vote,” specifically for their fictional candidate. Hank was also to create course assignments on the dynamics and techniques of community organizing, a cinch in his mind.

  “You guys are real funny, but imagine me in a position to ask the president for millions of dollars of federal funding for my foundation. That is real power!” Hank exclaimed.

  “Isn’t it interesting to see each of you slipping into your roles so easily,” Chase said, mocking them.

  Seymour, ignoring Chase, turned to Simon and asked, “I assume once we deal with the creation of a total new identity, complete with history and detailed background, you will then decide on the best databases in which to insert all the pertinent information?”

  “Yes. It will be up to me, once I have perfected the documents and determined the most logical way to penetrate the various computer systems.” Simon also volunteered to work with Chase to find the best process to move money in and out of various banking systems.

  While the discussion was enough to excite them, they found themselves genuinely looking forward to getting started. Moreover, to their surprise, they each had the same thought—if it were real and not just a game; imagine the power I would have.

  —

  Every week thereafter, one member presented arguments to support his thesis, including his aspect of the master plan, and the other four presented their challenges.

  While their individual challenge was to stretch their imaginations, the “shadow” assignments became the most intriguing part of the project. However, as time went on it started to morph into its own reality and was becoming less of a “game.”

  For the rest of the year, they constructed their study sessions using a slightly different approach. Hank would challenge the presenter as to the impact his theory would have on society. Chase directed his challenges from a financial perspective, and Seymour focused on the impact of the media. When it was Paolo’s turn, perpetually neutral, he played the devil’s advocate. As always, Simon’s arguments seemed more agnostic than Paolo’s.

/>   None of the others ever understood exactly the direction Simon was taking, as he never made it clear where he stood on any one issue. His neutral demeanor allowed him to slip in points to support his ultimate aim. As if by osmosis, once again those points made their way into each thesis.

  Simon chose his brothers well, not just for their high IQs but also for their knowledge and successful experience in their various disciplines. The added bonus was that they all had respectable positions waiting for them when they returned to their former professions. He admired their desire to further those careers by returning to academia.

  It was 1997, and La Fratellanza’s theories were still just theories, yet to be tested. Nevertheless, Simon needed their extraordinary talents and invaluable insights—they were vital assets that would become irreplaceable.

  8

  THE GRADUATE DEPARTURE

  The time was rapidly approaching, and in a few days, they would earn their master’s degrees and become Harvard graduates. Shortly thereafter, they would go their separate ways and immerse themselves in their new lives and respective careers.

  To no one’s surprise, the members of La Fratellanza had completed all their exams and aced the presentations of their senior theses. Certainly, there was never any doubt in their minds. They also took comfort knowing that because they had majored in different disciplines, with different academic advisors, it was highly unlikely anyone could ever connect their theses. Most important, they had taken all the precautions Simon recommended. They were confident no one would uncover their hypothetical conspiracy buried within its pages—if one did—the brothers were confident that it would be viewed as an intellectual exercise.

  As Simon often liked to remind them, “We are probably the most unique group of intellectuals Harvard has ever entertained.” He was careful to omit Lordy, who he knew surpassed them all by far.

  —

  Finally, the day of graduation arrived, and after the Commencement Day ceremonies ended, La Fratellanza went to Jake’s to celebrate. It was an occasion of overindulgence, and the group drank late into the night. As the clock approached 2:00 a.m., Simon announced, “I have a surprise.”

  He convinced them that before they left Harvard and went their separate ways, they should have something to remember how they bonded as brothers. “Of course,” he exclaimed, “we must not forget the astounding theories we proved, at least on paper.”

  Simon persuaded them, as only he could, to follow him out of the pub and down a few blocks to see a friend, a local tattoo artist frequented by students from the various universities. The storefront was still open and the artist was waiting. When they arrived, Simon sprang his idea. “It is a memento! I’ve created a tattoo just for us, a tattoo that would signify our brotherhood. It will be our special symbol, designed only for La Fratellanza.”

  Then the artist handed Simon a piece of paper, which he showed his brothers. It was a sketch of their new tattoo: it was LF, which was exclusive and would be unobtrusive.

  Initially they squirmed at the idea. But after a night of heavy imbibing, they were in no condition to refuse, or even to figure out why to refuse. No one was aware that Simon was perfectly sober, despite his time in the pub.

  —

  Early the next morning, Hank and Chase were in the student cafeteria in Dudley House, downing several cups of welcomed black coffee. Moments later, they heard sirens blaring across the Yard.

  “It sounds as though it is coming from the Widener Library,” Hank blurted out.

  Running out to the Yard, they saw flames shooting up in the sky, but not from the Widener Library—from the Pusey Library.

  As the sirens continued to blare, Seymour and Paolo began to come out of their alcohol-induced sleep. They both could smell the strong odor of smoke that wafted in the air, which didn’t comport well with their hangovers. Independently, they sprang out of their beds in their adjoining dorms, threw on their clothes, and ran to the source of excitement.

  “Wait up!” Paolo shouted, as he headed in Seymour’s direction.

  Seymour was running toward the fire. “I see Chase and Hank standing over there. Maybe they know what’s happening. Given last night, I’m surprised I can even see,” Seymour added.

  Somehow, in all the confusion the four managed to find one another. Together they looked on in horror as the flames engulfed the Pusey Library. After a suspenseful time, it appeared that only part of the library had suffered any damage. However, it was the wing where the Harvard University Archives were located and where it housed the graduate’s theses. Each envisioned his richly leather-bound thesis going up in flames, until Hank reminded them, “Simon has the only other copies on the backup server in our computer lab.” The others breathed a sigh of relief as they continued to watch the fire department in action.

  During all the excitement, Paolo had been conscious of rubbing his wrist while watching the inferno. When he looked down, he had vague recollections of the night before, a night when they were not only drunk, but also tattooed. I abhor tattoos he thought, but was thankful that his watchband hid the artful display. He knew he could never bring himself to remove it, which would have been disloyal to their “brotherhood,” and all it meant to him.

  Paolo glanced at his watch to note the time. They had been witnessing the events taking place in the Yard for several hours. It was then a quarter to twelve.

  “Hey, guys, we are supposed to meet at Simon’s apartment at noon. Let’s go,” he urged.

  —

  Back in Simon’s apartment, they sat around their study table and recounted the morning’s events.

  Simon seemed only mildly interested. He swiftly changed the subject and began to reminisce about their study discussions, their personal struggles, and how it would be the last time they would sit around their round table.

  The others joined in, echoing similar sentiments, which eventually led them to reflect on how the five of them came together and planned an ingenious plot. They spoke about the challenges they had met, the excitement they had felt, and all they had accomplished. Mostly they spoke about the admiration and respect they felt for each other. They vowed to stay in touch and continue their friendship as they embarked on their new careers. Those two years had changed their lives in many ways, but nothing more than the intellectual fraternity they had created.

  Seymour raised his hand as if he were about to ask a question, but instead flashed his new tattoo. “Thanks, Simon, for the lovely gift,” he quipped.

  It was at that moment that Simon chose to present them with another graduation gift. He handed each of them a small square green box, with the name and logo of Rolex in the lower-left-hand corner. Inside the box, each member found a gold watch bearing the same logo as on the cover. Their eyes widened in disbelief.

  Chase was the first to protest the extravagance. “This is an amazing gift, but it is way too lavish.” Even knowing that Simon could afford it, it was a heartfelt comment.

  The others followed with similar objections.

  Simon waved off their gratitude and instructed, “Turn over the watch face.”

  On the back of the watch, in the center, they noticed the engraved initials LF. There was no need to verbalize their thanks. This time it came from their sincere expressions.

  Simon sensed the sheer emotion his brothers felt. Leaving no time for their expressions to subside, he announced, “I have one more surprise in store. Inside the watch I placed a microchip that contains copies of our theses, the only copies with evidence of our ‘intellectual diversion.’”

  At Simon’s mention of the “only copies,” their heads all turned in the direction of the living room window, and then they realized the true value of their new watches. They were so overwhelmed by the events that had taken place in the last few hours, starting with the tattoo, the fire, and then the gifts, to notice that the computer lab was gone and the vanishing sofa had returned.

  With uncharacteristic emotion, they once again reflected on how fo
rtunate they were to become part of La Fratellanza, how they truly had grown to become brothers. They expressed their thanks to Simon for helping them out of terrible personal dilemmas, supporting their studies, and presenting them with a precious gift. Each accepted the watch as a true sign of devotion.

  Arm in arm, the five brothers headed to Jake’s to down a few beers one last time.

  9

  THE REAL DEAL

  It was the year 2000, three years since La Fratellanza had left Harvard University.

  After graduation, they had scattered across the country. Seymour moved back to Los Angeles, Simon returned to San Francisco, and Hank went back to Chicago. Paolo relocated to Georgetown, and Chase, finally getting his wish, moved to the financial capital of the world, New York City.

  Their lives had taken off in different directions; however, the camaraderie of La Fratellanza never waned, and they stayed in touch on a regular basis. Two or three members of the group would get together for dinner occasionally, or invite another brother to a special event. When traveling for business to each other’s city they would hook up, if only for a quick drink.

  They always stayed close.

  Although their careers and families primarily took precedence, they never missed their annual weekend reunion in May, with all in attendance. Each member of La Fratellanza would take turns to select a different venue, but it would always be a typical “guy’s retreat,” replete with wine, cigars, and foie gras, compliments of Simon. Normally, the weekend would commence with swapping stories about their families and their careers. Ultimately, it led to their “shadow” thesis and many “what-if” questions permeated their conversations.

  When they received a letter asking them to attend a reunion in Chicago, four months early, it captured their attention. Especially, because the invitation included airline tickets for each of them; with the exception of Hank, of course, who was already living in the Windy City.