Extinction 6

by Hosein Kouros-Mehr

  The shuttle heads for Spaceport America, the country’s largest rocket dock located in New Mexico. Lionel prepares for reentry.

  A male voice comes on the intercom. “USS Hawkeye, do you read?”

  Abe talks into the speaker. “Yes, we read you, Centcom.”

  “This is Gareth Allen, Deputy Director of the CIA.”

  Abe covers the speaker and turns to Lionel. “CIA? Why are they calling us?”

  Lionel shrugs.

  “Mr. Allen, this is Colonel McNair aboard the Hawkeye. How can I help you?”

  “Colonel, the CIA orders you to turn your ship towards Mars.”

  “What was that, sir?”

  “I repeat, do not come back to Earth. We need you to fly towards Mars and prepare to attack New China.”

  Abe scratches his head. “But sir, Centcom told us to return home.”

  “Forget their orders. The CIA holds rank above them. You must continue your mission.”

  Lionel jumps and frantically cancels the reentry, programming the navigation just in time. The ship veers towards space. They grimace as the g-forces push them into their chairs.

  Abe grows excited. “Mr. Allen, we are on our way to Mars now, sir! Can you provide more details of our mission?”

  Seconds later, Gareth responds. “Not at this time. Head to Mars as fast as you can and prepare to launch your EMP missiles.”

  Lionel’s eyes widen. “Yes, sir—”

  “Hawkeye, be on high alert and await further instructions from us. The President may authorize a strike against New China. Wait for our green light.”

  “We are on our way.”

  20.

  THOMAS ROSENBERG nervously checks the time. Sitting next to an empty chair on stage, he scans the hall and finds Manos Kharon speaking to a crowd as employees stream in. He turns to Ben Daley. “Where’s Beth? The All-Staff meeting starts in two minutes.”

  Ben quivers. “I haven’t seen her in a week. Is she okay?”

  “Yes. She’s working remotely.”

  “On what? She hasn’t responded to my messages.”

  “She’s busy with something confidential. I don’t know the details.”

  Ben looks around. “Did she confirm her attendance today?”

  “No.” Thomas checks the time. “It’s 10 a.m. We have to start the meeting.”

  “Who will give the keynote address?”

  “I don’t know.” Thomas heads for the podium as sweat gathers on his forehead. He presses a screen and loads a presentation, anxiously scanning the doors for Beth. “Good morning everyone, please take your seats.”

  In the front row, a throng surrounds Manos. People shake his hand and wave papers for his autograph. He laughs boisterously and takes photos with them. No one pays attention to the Chief Financial Officer.

  As Thomas waits for the audience to settle, someone taps his shoulder. He turns to find Camila Rodriguez waving. She whispers in his ear. “I have an update.”

  Thomas covers the microphone. “What is it, Camila?”

  “Beth messaged me.”

  “Saying what?”

  “She plans to attend the meeting.”

  “But it starts in one minute! Where is she?”

  “I don’t know. She said go ahead and start the conference without her.”

  Thomas wipes the sweat from his face and reenters the spotlight. He places the mic on his suit jacket. “Good morning and welcome to our All-Staff meeting. Thank you for attending on this rainy day. I will make a few introductions.”

  Manos stands and approaches the stage.

  “First some company updates. We have implemented the Information Tariffs that were approved by our shareholders. We are rolling out software updates and changes to our ad platform—”

  Thomas turns to find Manos next to him. “Mr. Kharon, what are you doing here?”

  Manos digs his elbow into Thomas. “I want to deliver a few remarks. We need a senior official to open the meeting and seeing that Andrews isn’t here, that duty would fall to me.”

  “Sir, I’m the Chief Financial Officer.”

  Manos rolls his eyes. “Give me the microphone.”

  Thomas looks down and hesitates. “…yes, Mr. Kharon. Here you go.” He hands over the mic and walks back to his seat.

  Manos seizes the podium. “Colleagues, it’s an honor for me to deliver today’s keynote address. It is a remarkable time in the history of our company. We are making Google great again!”

  Applause rings out. Manos’s enlarged face appears on the screen.

  “For decades, we have been generous and granted free access to the internet, distributing information across the world. We believed that humanity was a good force and that all races and countries would contribute to our growing knowledge. These liberal policies were supposed to uplift our citizens. Instead, America’s enemies have used our know-how to advance their evil agenda. We find ourselves at the mercy of traitors who manipulated our good will for their gain.”

  Someone yells, “USA!” and the crowd erupts in jubilation.

  Manos smiles and cocks his head. “Let me be clear. China and Russia steal our intellectual property. They hack into our companies and universities and extract our knowledge, then turn around and create their own companies with our data. They use Google’s software and artificial intelligence to design those same viruses and missiles that strike our homeland every day. It is time to put an end to this theft and collusion!”

  “Make Google great again,” someone shouts.

  “Last month, we approved the Information Tariffs, bold measures intended to block China and Russia from accessing our technology. The tariffs are working—the enemy cannot access our data without a heavy price. This exploitation has come to an end. My friends, we are now winning the War!”

  A heckler waves her hands in the air. “GoldRock is evil! End the War!!”

  Manos frowns and points at her. “Get her out of here.”

  A group of men carries her away kicking and screaming. The audience applauds when she leaves the room.

  Manos sneers. “Look at these shameful liberals. They open our borders and allow criminals into our precious land. They hand away our gold and complain when we stop the crime. What kind of fools are they? We right their wrongs and they never learn from their mistakes. We must put an end to their reign. It’s time for us to take over.”

  Ben leans over to Thomas. “What’s going on? What is he talking about?”

  Thomas fidgets. “I’m not sure.”

  “Beth needs to hear this. Where is she?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Manos raises an arm. “It’s time for leadership that will guide our company to a brighter future. Imagine a Google that’s aligned on the side of America. For once, we will help our country fight the enemy. How much stronger will our soldiers be if we arm them with Google products? Imagine what we can do to China and Russia if we collaborate with our armed forces. You better believe that Google is stronger than any army outside of our borders!”

  The crowd explodes and several people stand and chant, “USA! USA! USA!”

  Manos pounds the podium. “Your management failed you. They wronged you as employees and consumers. They have commandeered a failing business model and worse, they abetted the enemy. Just listen to the present CEO as she speaks her mind about the Chinese.”

  Employees shoosh for silence. A broken recording broadcasts through the speakers and Beth’s voice comes on. “…I don’t believe the Chinese pose a threat to Google.” It repeats in loops.

  The hall erupts in commotion. People holler and jeer at the senior management. Someone throws a chair at the stage and screams, “Bethany’s a traitor!”

  Ben turns to Thomas. “I’m shocked. When did Beth say that?”

  “Manos is lying,” Thomas replies. “She’s being framed.”

  “I don’t like this. I’m leaving!”

  Thomas grabs his shoulder. “Hold on, don’t leave. Just wait a minute.�
��

  Manos grins and holds his head up high. “As you can see, my friends, Bethany Andrews sees nothing wrong with an enemy that attacks our banks and schools. This is not someone who should be at the helm of the world’s largest technology company. It is time for change. Colleagues, we need a new direction.”

  Cheers arise and the crowd shouts in unison, “Manos! Manos! Manos!”

  He yells above the clamor. “After many years of neglect and complacency, it is time to drain the swamp. Today I introduce a motion for your vote. We must be bold and stand up for our country. We must break free from the shackles of a failed management team and demand change. Today I run to be your CEO!”

  Applause bursts just as the large screen flickers and goes dark. Boos echo across the walls. Manos appears confused and turns to see Beth’s face projecting from a video conference.

  “Look who finally showed up,” he shrieks.

  Beth appears tired with bags under her eyes. “I’ve been listening to GoldRock’s presentation. Do not be tricked by this man!”

  The employees grow silent.

  A stock chart appears on the screen and Beth continues. “Here is what Manos has done to us. Google’s stock has plunged 25 percent thanks to his Information Tariffs. And we are farther from peace than ever before. You will destroy this company if you select Manos to be CEO. This chart is a preview of what’s to come if the ideology of terror guides us. You must never give in to fear!”

  The figure fades and Beth’s face reappears. “I object to the false characterization of my words. I am the victim of a violent kidnapping. The military hijacked my helicopter and forced me to confess against my will. I do not support our enemies, nor have I ever allowed Google’s technology to be stolen or manipulated. I fight on the side of freedom, and anyone who doubts my loyalty is a lying traitor. I do not support China or Russia in any way!”

  Thomas whispers to Ben. “I told you she’d be here.”

  Ben relaxes. “Thank goodness she’s defending herself.”

  “Yeah, our leader is back!”

  Manos faces the audience and squirms. “The traitor is among us. She festers like a parasite!”

  “Enough of your lies,” Beth roars. “You are killing Google’s culture. People are abandoning our platforms because of you! Young people turn to the dark web for information because they cannot access basic web search. Our rivals laugh at our missteps as their products gain market share. GoldRock will lead us to bankruptcy. Do not be fooled by this madman.”

  “You are the fool!” Manos screams. “You’ve made us weak and emboldened the enemy. We must get tough and win the War with tariffs and cyber weapons.”

  “You’re mistaken! We destroy our enemies with innovation. America is strong because of our scientists and engineers, who take on challenging projects in search of a brighter future. Risk-taking is how you move the needle. Fear and aggression will destroy the progress we’ve made and take us back to the stone ages.”

  Manos raises his fist at the screen. “You’re a coward!”

  The hall grows silent.

  Beth stares firmly ahead. “Hatred is not a strategy. There is a reason why fascists can’t innovate. My colleagues, you must stop GoldRock from taking us down a road of misery. We have to return to science and technology. Let’s solve the planet’s energy crisis and stop the addiction to fossil fuels. Together we can stop climate change and end the War.”

  Manos laughs at her. “The liberal rallying cry! End the War? You’re the one who got us into this mess in the first place. And now you’re spouting about clean power again. You’re out of your mind!”

  Camila quietly approaches Thomas. “You have to stop this madness.”

  Thomas blanches. “What do you want me to do?”

  “I brought a microphone for you.”

  Thomas takes it and clips it on his lapel. He takes several deep breaths to calm his shaking hands.

  Manos turns to the audience. “My track record speaks for itself. GoldRock is the most profitable firm on Earth because we execute, and we will bring our business acumen here to Google. Do what’s right for your company and select me as your CEO. We will hold a vote now.”

  “Don’t be misled,” Beth shouts. “Manos is a snake who will sell you out. He will strip this company bare and reduce our vision to ashes. He has no experience leading a technology corporation. Say no on GoldRock!”

  Thomas stands. “This will conclude our keynote address. Thank you, participants. Mr. Kharon, please have a seat and we will continue the meeting.”

  Manos spreads his arms, and the crowd applauds. Thomas waits for him to sit back down and approaches the podium. “Before we conclude the meeting, we will review proposals from the staff.”

  Words appear on the screen. Thomas turns his head to read the text and his face grows pale. He looks at Ben and Camila and they sit, expressionless.

  Chatter erupts through the room.

  Thomas hesitates. “…motion 1 is for the selection of a new CEO.”

  Horror grips the management team. Ben and Camila dash for the exit. Thomas removes the microphone from his suit and runs off with his colleagues.

  The stage is empty.

  Manos gestures to his Chief of Staff, who races to the lectern and picks up the mic. “Please remain seated. My name is Seth Wengardt and I will continue the meeting. Please use your polling device and vote now. You have thirty seconds.”

  A timer appears on the screen and silence fills the air. Manos waves at the employees as they cast their selection.

  “This concludes the session,” Seth says before a green checkmark pops up. “By a vote of 1251-982, Manos Kharon is the CEO of Google. Congratulations, sir.”

  The crowd cheers and Manos throws his fists in the air in victory.

  21.

  AUSTIN ENTERS a skyscraper in Cupertino and takes an elevator down to the second floor. Water drips from the ceiling as he stumbles across a damp hallway en route to Unit 203. The sounds of crashing ocean waves reverberate through the corridor.

  He knocks on the door and Anil opens. “Dr. Sanders, welcome to our home. How are you?”

  “I have bad news,” Austin says. “I couldn’t discuss it during our call.”

  “Please come in.”

  Austin steps inside. Water flows from the balcony and forms a pool in the living area. He looks from the window; the sea level is a few feet below the apartment.

  Anil gestures. “Dr. Sanders, please meet my wife, Prisha.”

  Austin bows his head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. You’ve made valuable contributions to our project.”

  Prisha smiles. “Thank you. My husband speaks very highly of you.”

  Anil nervously taps his foot. “Dr. Sanders, what is the news? Is everything okay?”

  Austin takes a deep breath. “Beth was ousted.”

  Anil gasps. “Dr. Andrews is leaving?”

  “It’s a hostile takeover. Apparently, Manos Kharon at GoldRock stole her position at the staff meeting yesterday.”

  “Who is Manos?”

  “He’s not a good person.”

  “What will it mean for us? Will we lose our jobs?”

  Austin grows pale. “I don’t know. The future is uncertain.”

  The apartment rumbles as a wave crashes and rocks its foundation. An ocean mist permeates the room as water seeps in from the patio.

  Anil eyes the pool. “Apologies, Dr. Sanders, just one second.” He throws down a towel and soaks the puddle, then hangs it outside to dry. A seagull perched on the balcony flies away.

  Austin notices fissures on the walls. “This place is not safe for you.”

  Anil’s voice cracks. “…I know, Dr. Sanders. I’ve been trying hard to find a new residence, but the rents are expensive on the higher floors.”

  “What?” Prisha asks, sitting upright. “Is that why we can’t move? You said the leasing office won’t break our contract.”

  “…I’m sorry, Prisha, that’s not exactly true
.”

  “You lied to me?”

  Austin leans forward. “Anil is trying to protect you. He doesn’t want to see you upset.”

  “I’m worried all the time,” Anil laments. “I can’t remember the last time I slept through the night. All I think about is our financial situation. I’m stressed every day looking for a new place to live.”

  Austin’s eyes swell with tears. “One day you might wake up underwater. That’s how I lost Matthew.” He breaks down and cries. “My son was with my parents in Marin and I lost all of them to the Flood. It came without warning. That was ten years ago.”

  “I’m sorry, Dr. Sanders.”

  “It devastated me. They were in a beach house when the ocean crashed in and saw them again.” He sobs. “It’s my fault. I ignored the rising water level. Every day I think about Matthew.” He wipes his tears. “I don’t want that to happen to you.”

  Prisha cries. “It is very difficult for us. I fear for my life every time the room shakes.”

  “We’ve never had so much stress,” Anil says. “I’m looking for a second job and I haven’t found any opportunities.”

  Austin looks down. “You are a dedicated father, Anil. I don’t want to see you suffer like this.” He reaches out a hand. “Please come stay with me at my condo in San Francisco.”

  Anil bows. “Thank you, Dr. Sanders. That is so considerate of you.”

  “We have to look out for one another. Our common humanity is all we have left.”

  Anil looks at Prisha with concern. “I am grateful, but my wife must stay in bed for the rest of her pregnancy. She has a dangerous condition that gives her high blood pressure. It isn’t safe for us to travel far.”

  Austin nods. “I understand. Is there another apartment available here?”

  “Yes, but the rent is expensive.”

  “I will pay it for you. Please move immediately. It’s troubling to see you two live under such duress.”

  Prisha sheds a tear. “This means so much to us, Dr. Sanders.”

  “That’s the least I can do.” A tidal wave shakes the walls. “You should move immediately. Let’s go to the leasing office right now.”