by Bill Brewer
Diegert fell forward on the body as he burst into tears. He cried with anguished grief for the loss of the opportunity to ever have a father. He cried with anger at the thoughtlessness of Panzer’s words. He cried for his mother who suffered mightily at this fucker’s hands. He felt like a failure for not protecting her. He cried and cried and cried, without the warmth of a woman, but for the suffering of his mother and the fact that he would never have a father.
His crying intensified until his breathing was nothing but guttural spasms from a tortured soul. The exorcism of his pain felt as though his heart had been ripped from his chest. He opened himself to the realization that the man he hoped would love and guide him now lay dead beneath him. The victim of violence similar to that which he had perpetrated on others.
Alone, confused and exhausted Diegert rolled off Panzer, collapsing on his back next to the body. With his eyes closed, he felt his whole world spinning, turning and twisting out of control. How could he have done this, and what if he had not? Panzer was an evil man, but Diegert carried half of his genes. He felt disgusted by his own evil.
Feeling a change of light on his lids, he opened his eyes. Towering above him, dressed in impeccable gray was a man of distinction. Peering down on him were the ice blue eyes of Klaus Panzer. Diegert was in an acute emotional crisis, but this felt like a psychotic hallucination. He blinked several times, but the same vision continued to re-appear. He shot his hand out and took hold of one of the legs. It was real. He felt the fine worsted wool of the suit and the stability of the man. Spinning around into a seated position, he looked up. “Panzer?”
“Yes my son,” came the reply, “It is I.”
With a blank look of disbelief and uncertainty as to what was real, he failed to form words. From above him, he heard, “I will explain all of this to you.”
Squatting down, Panzer examined the damage done to the head which was identical to his. The pool of gooey blood and brain matter fascinated him as he carefully inspected the splintered cranium. Grasping the nose, he turned the head side to side. Satisfied, Panzer rose to his feet.
Diegert, sitting against the wall, observed a two-man team enter and place the corpse into a large black bag and zip it up. Grasping the handles, the two men carried the bag away. A young woman wheeled a bucket and mop into the room, quickly cleaning the blood from the wall and floor.
Diegert looked up to hear, “You certainly did give’m a thrashing.”
Coughing and clearing his throat Diegert asked, “Are you a ghost?”
“No, I assure you I am quite real. It is the man you killed who is an apparition, a cipher, a doppelgänger.”
The big words rattled around Diegert’s head, providing no clarity.
The Panzer figure smirked. “Do you remember when I told you about Creation Labs and the capacity to restructure amino acids by manipulating DNA with nanocytes?”
Diegert remembered hearing about this but did not understand it. He nodded.
“With wireless nanocytes, controlled by a photo-specific app, we can directly reconfigure proteins into the exact appearance of someone else’s face.”
“You mean the dude was not you but had his face made to look like yours?”
“Yes.”
“And you did this with nanocytes?”
“Along with very sophisticated software but, David, I did this to see if I could trust you. To see how you really felt about me, and now I know that you harbored a great deal of anger toward me.”
If Diegert was confused before, he now became further removed from reality. Had he killed Panzer or not?
“The violence I witnessed convinces me that you are conflicted about me being your father. I want you to know that this experience was, for you, as real as any could be. The anger you felt, and your catharsis was a true expulsion of the painful feelings you carried within you.”
Panzer stopped talking and held his gaze upon Diegert, who looked back and shrugged his shoulders.
“I hope we move forward now,” said Panzer.
“What?”
“Move forward and leave those feelings behind.”
“What do you mean? Nothing’s changed,” shouted Diegert.
“On the contrary, everything’s changed. You have released the disquieting feelings you had for me. We can start anew.”
“Are you fucking kidding? You’re still here. You’re the same, and I killed an innocent man.”
“Don’t let the facts negate your feelings. I gave you an opportunity to indulge your feelings of hate and anger, fulfilling your primal need to kill. Now we should be able to move beyond such feelings.”
“Feelings?! When you have me assassinate someone, that’s not just to express your feelings, is it?”
“An assassination is a killing to fulfill a strategic objective. Murder is killing someone out of hate, anger and boiling emotions. You did not assassinate me just now, you murdered me.”
“But what good is it if you’re still here?”
“With your feelings expunged, I’m confident we can forge a brand-new relationship.”
Diegert was thunderstruck. He was overwhelmed with the audacity of this man to define human relationships so distinctly in his own terms and then expect others to feel the same. The whole use of technology to change the other man’s face was fascinating, but the fact that he arranged for that man to be killed just so his son could express himself was repugnant. Diegert had been duped into murder and then was encouraged to accept it as relationship therapy. This man was crazy in a perilous way, and Diegert knew he had to take from him the power of Crepusculous.
Panzer stepped to the door and looked back before exiting. “Move beyond your trite feelings. You and I have much to accomplish.”
Stunned and confused Diegert struggled to get a handle on his feelings, but what was clear was that he did not love his father, Klaus Panzer.
CHAPTER 9
Three months after the release of Digival, the world was responding. This cryptocurrency, unlike all the others, had wealth behind it that gave people faith to use it as money. Javier’s assertion that the best way to undermine the dollar was to steal away the customers was having an impact. More and more people were using Digival for purchases in Omnisphere businesses. Enterprises outside the enormous corporate umbrella were accepting it as well. Panzer was very pleased. He excitedly anticipated the results of a meeting his CEO of Omnisphere was having that day.
In Washington DC, Abaya Patel arrived at the K Street address of the Federal Reserve. A security officer escorted her to the office of the Head of the Reserve, Janet Steiner. Entering the executive suite, Abaya relaxed at the sight of the soft cream upholstered furniture and the textured beige of the walls. The Head of the Federal Reserve came from behind her desk to greet the CEO of Omnisphere. As they shook hands, Abaya said, “It is such an honor and a privilege to meet with you.” The smiles were pleasant, but they both knew they were girding for battle.
“Likewise Abaya,” replied Janet, “thanks for coming. I hope you don’t mind, I also invited Andrew to join us.”
Andrew Elliot, the Secretary of the Treasury, entered from a side door and strode toward Abaya.
“I don’t believe you two have met,” stated Janet.
“No I don’t believe we have,” said Abaya in a somewhat guarded tone.
“How do you do?” offered Mr. Elliot as he shook hands with Abaya.
“I’m sorry if I’ve caught you by surprise but I feel as though the issues we will be discussing may be clearer with Andrew here. Shall we?” said the Fed Chair as Abaya and Mr. Elliot sat side by side in front of the desk, and she sat down behind her expanse of polished Cherry. Getting right to the point Ms. Steiner asked, “What are Omnisphere’s intentions for Digival?”
With an adroit smile, Abaya began, “Digival is a means of showing our customers that we appreciate them and wish them well in the economy. As a large and diverse corporation, we realize our success depends on our customers’ satisfa
ction. By providing goods and services that people need and desire, we seek to make their lives happy and whole. Digival is a means for us to share the wealth of the corporation with the customers who create it.”
“Well then why is there a Digival account for nearly every person in the United States?” asked Ms. Steiner with a raised eyebrow.
“Accounts simply let us manage the value to which each customer is entitled.”
“Yes, of course, but every resident of the United States?”
“As a large and diverse corporation, there are many entities under our umbrella. Omnisphere associated companies touch the lives of almost every person on the planet, not just the US.”
Choosing now to speak, Andrew Elliot said, “The Department of the Treasury’s concern is that Digival is becoming a de facto currency and Omnisphere is operating an unregulated bank.”
“Omnisphere already has extensive operations in the banking industry. Digival can be used for purchases of goods and services within the Omnisphere network. The credit is good within the corporate environment, it is not legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues."
“It precisely is not,” stammered Elliot. “But it is being used as such.”
“How so?”
“I understand that you provide interest on these Digival accounts.”
“Yes, that’s true. Digival held in a person’s account can earn an interest rate of six percent.”
“Six percent! That’s outrageous. How can you afford that kind of payment?”
“Omnisphere has sufficient resources. Providing interest on a Digival account demonstrates our desire to keep our customers engaged with us. How is this a problem? How much interest has your Digival account accrued?”
Janet Steiner piped up, “Tell her.”
Elliot hesitated, but went on to say, “The other day my son revealed that he had sold his old game system.”
“Yes?”
“Well, I keep very tight controls on his accounts. I know when he deposits or withdraws any money. So I asked him if he had the cash and when was he going to deposit it. He said the whole transaction was in Digival and there was no cash.”
Reacting to Elliot’s aggravation Abaya asked, “And this upsets you?”
“It concerns me. Digival is extending beyond Omnisphere to become a counterfeit currency.”
Abaya turned to look at the Fed, who stared back with a furrowed brow. Looking back to Mr. Elliot, Abaya said, “I appreciate you asking me to meet with you, but clearly, the purpose of this meeting has to be more than the consternation you feel because your son chooses to transact business in something other than US dollars.”
The Fed said, “We are concerned that the way in which you are conducting business in Digival creates an impression that it is legal tender, and it is extending to areas of the economy in which it was not intended. We would like to know what restrictions you intend to put in place to prevent the use of this currency outside of Omnisphere?”
Abaya gave a confident smile. “So now I see that you feel that Digival is a threat.”
Drumming his fingers on his knee Mr. Elliot said, “We feel your corporation is perpetuating a counterfeit currency.”
“Now that’s surprising. Omnisphere is not issuing coins or notes. There is no use of any of the symbols, slogans or likenesses of US money. Digival is a number in an account which represents value within Omnisphere. It is not a physical entity seeking to deceive one into believing it is something other than what it is. On what do you base your charge of forgery?”
The two representatives of US monetary policy sat quietly for a moment.
Elliot broke the silence. “People are using it as money.”
“Legally, you know very well that people can transact business in whatever form of value they wish. Dollars hold no exclusivity on value.”
“Yes but this Digival is completely worthless. It does not even exist in any physical form.”
“Digival is backed by the wealth of Omnisphere. A corporate entity with assets, products, and services used by people all over the world. The assets alone carry a worth that is unparalleled in the world. The units of value represent the success of this company to provide the things that turn people into customers. I believe it is your money that is backed by nothing but faith.”
“The full faith and credit of the United States Government have maintained the US monetary system for decades,” declared Elliot.
“True, but that belief system has begun to wear thin since the US has not paid back what it owes for decades. Honestly, the US monetary system is a sham. How do you explain it to your son?”
Elliot retreated into silence.
Steiner replied, “Our friends over at the IRS may be very interested to know if you are collecting any taxes on these Digival transactions.”
“Omnisphere complies with all tax obligations. I am happy to discuss the tax implications of Digival with the IRS.”
“You’d be willing to pay taxes?!”
“Any tax on Digival would be paid in Digival.”
Silence once again cloaked the room.
Abaya cleared her throat. “Just like all inhabitants of the earth, the US Government is invited to open a Digival account and experience the benefits of the wealth shared by Omnisphere with all its customers.”
Elliot scratched his ear while adjusting his glasses. Steiner looked deflated as the threat of taxes only seemed to embolden the executive.
“With an appropriate rate of taxation, the treasury would accrue a sizable amount of credit with Omnisphere. The value could be used in numerous beneficial ways. To whom should I direct my inquiry at Internal Revenue?”
Steiner and Elliot looked to one another sheepishly. Their hope of cowing Patel into restricting Digival was turning into an offer of revenue. Like water to a thirsty man, these two money managers were powerless to resist an opportunity to acquire more revenue, no matter what the source.
Elliot took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. “John Koskinen is the Commissioner of the IRS. I can set up a meeting with his team and your people.”
“Excellent,” Abaya said with a nod and a smile. “Omnisphere looks forward to contributing to the welfare of the United States. I appreciate your time in meeting with me, and I look forward to the next steps.”
Abaya rose from her seat, shook the hands of both of the somewhat stunned and subdued officials, before walking out of the meeting.
CHAPTER 10
Having been released from Medical, Diegert now had a small apartment within the subterranean network below LPU. The apartment had comfortable accommodations including a kitchen and a living room separated by a raised bar. The bedroom had a queen-sized bed, and a large closet with sliding mirrored doors, the bathroom was adjoined. Furnishings in the living room included a couch and table upon which Diegert had placed the laptop he was given. Adhered to the wall was a large screen smart TV. Two stools provided seating at the counter bar.
A knock on the door surprised Diegert, who tensed up as he peered through the peephole to see Klaus Panzer standing outside his door. Diegert’s hesitation produced a more insistent knock. As the door opened, Panzer entered the room.
Even though Diegert thought of this apartment as his personal space, he suddenly realized such was not the case when Panzer said, “I’m here to hold a meeting with you right now.” It was the first time they’d met since Diegert killed him, or rather, killed a guy who had Panzer’s face. Panzer intimidated Diegert, not physically, but intellectually. The guy was so smart, and he always seemed to be enacting some kind of a scheme. Diegert regressed into silence as this clever, manipulative and dangerous man occupied in his new abode.
“I hope you are well, my son. I wanted to meet with you now, under less stressful circumstances.”
“You mean I don’t get to kill you this time.”
“Do you feel the need to do that again?” Panzer replied.
“Maybe later.”
; “Very well. I want to speak with you about physiology,” stated Panzer in a professorial tone, “The human body is the most amazing structure and its functions are absolutely astounding. Its complexity and ability to adapt represent the world’s most intricate biological network.”
From his slightly downcast gaze, Diegert shifted his eyes up and nodded at Panzer.
“Did you study biology in school?” asked Panzer.
“Yeah,” replied Diegert. “I liked biology.” Diegert liked learning about the natural world, it appealed to his comfort in the outdoors and his curiosity about animals.
“The study of life has held the fascination of many a great mind. From it has grown, medicine, agriculture, and psychology. Lately, I’ve been interested in the body’s immune system. Do you recall learning about immunity?”
After a brief pause, Diegert nodded. He remembered there are red blood cells for carrying oxygen and white blood cells for fighting infections.
“Do you remember the leukocytes?”
Diegert mulled the question. The word, ‘Lukosights’ was ringing bells, but he could not come up with a reply, and he did not want to say no.
Panzer impatiently tapped his foot before interjecting, “They are the white blood cells, the ones which make up your immune system. Leukocytes fight the microbial pathogens that invade your body. As a resource, human beings are constantly attacked by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and mutated cells. The immune system protects us against certain death every day. Without a properly functioning immune system, you would succumb to the microbes within a matter of weeks, if not days. The war is constant, and the adaptations of the leukocytes are requisite for survival. It is an absolutely fascinating system that I have scientists in Creation Labs working to better understand.”
To this Diegert only nodded.
“Of all the leukocytes, the ones that fascinate me the most are the NK cells.”
