by G.R. Carter
Chapter Four
Capitol Building – Federal DC
“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 Nancy Clinton–Bush assured him.
Aguilar felt better with her double- and triple-checking the proceedings. Nancy never failed him and they were undefeated since his first campaign for Congress. She was related to neither of the two famous DC families she shared her last name with, but she learned quickly how things worked in the capital. Nancy grew up in a small town in Nebraska that was run by a family named Clinton. After an extremely brief marriage to a man named Bushnell, she was smart enough to do some modifications to her identity. Immediately, the name garnered her attention with reporters always desperate for an angle to gain viewers.
Clinton–Bush never failed to use the tools she had around her and Aguilar was a dream candidate. 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.
“Nancy, 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. Aguilar still 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 such things as paper. A President’s only concern was the well–being of the people, and no expense need be spared to make sure Aguilar 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 sitting along the couches on each side of the room. Federal Department Heads, each flanked by a couple of key staffers, sat quietly, waiting to be acknowledged. Each blankly 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, Aguilar 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 Asian features became more pronounced. Clinton–Bush told the President such an 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. No one cared much anymore about the rural areas and smaller cities; there just wasn’t enough output there to really matter to DC. Interior simply counted this land as tens of millions more acres of off-limits Federal Parks to keep from having to maintain any infrastructure in the now empty heartland.
Aguilar loved the power of impacting the money supply with his policies. He could order that a project be funded, and within the week the currency flow increased, and with the data that his people brought in he could even see how it affected particular neighborhoods. Transactions were monitored and analyzed instantaneously, and policymakers found the data stream addicting to watch.
Aguilar moved on to the next report rapidly, never one for elaboration from his subordinates.
“How goes integration of Agriculture into 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. In fact, a chicken salad sounds pretty good about now.
NSR1 reports also contained information on food distribution, mundane numbers that meant little to him. The Department of Agriculture handled the weekly rations and worked out the nutrition specifications for each person. More recently, the Pullback legislation rolled the Department of Agriculture into the Department of Human Services. The DHS provided health information to adjust rations depending on the Bio Profile of a person. Bio Profiles were created during a citizen’s monthly checkup at the DHS Clinics and went into the GRAPEVINE national database. After the checkup, the information was downloaded to each citizen’s Wristband – the device that held each person’s “cash” and food credit balance – which was used to purchase Ration Bars from their favorite store.
Americans being who they are, many took to calling their Ration Bars by the term “Rat Bars”. However, Department of Agriculture scientists assured President Aguilar the processed food really did taste great.
“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 estimate that this figure alone will result in a 15% improvement in the aggregate Bio Profiles of our citizens,” the woman said proudly.
“What about your Implant project?” Aguilar asked her. The Secretary of Human Services suddenly realized Nancy Clinton–Bush had a mole in the department; the President’s aide kept a file on nearly every person in DC, espec
ially Department subordinates. Clinton–Bush discovered early on that a person with a detailed file could be counted on to answer questions. Not that Aguilar really cared two whits 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.
“People, currency is flowing freely to each and every state and 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 Deputy Secretary Yamato 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. Where something blue, people like that.” Yamato nodded knowingly; Clinton–Bush picked her months ago for 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 his inner circle what became of staff he fired; that was Clinton–Bush’s responsibility. Severance packages, maybe?
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. After finding out that existing servicemen had been reassigned to politically important bases that survived the initial base closing lists, he was 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.
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.
“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 like 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 all the pomp and splendor of classical Grecian architecture. The almost religious effect was made complete by a ceiling that featured the world’s largest screen, a virtual sky created inside a structure that proved America still knew how to lead the world.
“Mr. Speaker, will you please sit in while I hear reports 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 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.
Clinton–Bush 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 Clinton–Bush first presented Johnson as a candidate; Aguilar knew the man’s reputation of conquering companies and universities. But Clinton–Bush 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 live forever on the Network. Continuity changed whatever goals Luis Aguilar strove to accomplish before his enlightenment. Now his mission would see that the world recognized the power of GRAPEVINE and all citizens of the world agreed to accept The Path.
Gatekeepers like Dr. Johnson selected only the most brilliant Profiles for Continuity; possession of the medal in Aguilar’s hand signified his acceptance. The medal gained entrance into Dr. Johnson’s private weekly meditation for a process he called Syncing. Syncing meant to keep each person’s Profile in harmony with other followers, insuring no programming conflicts between those striving to do their part. Syncing became one activity Aguilar refused to miss, regardless of a packed Presidential schedule.
With Johnson’s approval, Aguilar invited Thomas Reed to experience Continuity also. Johnson explained that not everyone had to possess a top 1% intellect to gain Continuity. Some Profiles gained Continuity by bringing other skills, which helped to shape the Path. Johnson instructed Reed that one of his key skills manifested in compromise. Reed could get people to agree on a common goal, Johnson assured him. Working together, the President and Congress could achieve great things for Continuity.
Aguilar once joked that his very Catholic mother wouldn’t agree he was on the right Path, and Reed agreed, referencing his own Methodist background. But the public version of Continuity continued to gain followers, even from some traditional religious institutions. Johnson informed Aguilar and Reed that all people’s Profiles had a place in Continuity. However only Profiles of the selected – like theirs – could shape the Path itself.
Dr. Johnson reached the front of the desk and smiled at the President, “Good day to you, sir. I hope you are feeling well?” Johnson’s radiant smile beamed from his deep olive face. He possessed a laugh capable of charming any room. Standing above most crowds at six and half feet tall helped get people’s attention, also.
“I'm feeling great. Thank you, Dr. Johnson. I’ve been looking forward to hearing about the updates on the Wristbands. That will be the highlight of my day, and I’m hoping to give our citizens some really good news tonight,” Aguilar said, with a slight wink.
“Of course, Mr. President,” Johnson smiled even brighter. “You will be delighted with what we have planned. Each and every citizen will receive a special download tonight, during the speech, which will completely change their lives. Imagine the ratings! Here’s what you can announce…”
