by Matt Rogers
Chapter 40
The possibility was more important than probability. Proof wasn’t required, in fact, it was deemed a net deficit so the Vampires designed the game with plausibility in mind. The pieces had been placed far in advance. It was easy to do so when money was no longer an object, no longer physical; electronic. Those with the means to do so had the ability to produce it from silicon chip and digital manipulation. They were already wealthy but with the demise of the physical into the virtual they took on Midas proportions. The game was on and economics would rule the day. The situation had been preparing itself for some time. It took a while and many previous plans had been scrapped due to the monetary divide. As others caught up the future began to emerge. When two planes brought down two towers the response only reinforced their belief they were playing a winning hand.
“Is everyone ready?”
They all agreed they were.
Verification of location without specification was the goal. The airport of modern man was the lock. Economic growth and separation of equality the key.
“Identification, please.”
The funneling system would prove useful for two purposes. First, once inside identification changed from physical appearance to printed name as an ID card became a boarding pass. Second, security was self-contained as the hardware was accessible from the inside only.
“Thank you Mr. Johnson, have a nice flight.”
All followed suit and soon the first hurdle was passed. The second would be breached through income.
“Where is it?”
“Down this corridor directly across from the first gate.”
They made their way without preamble which left the other passengers staring in astonishment as the largest men and prettiest women they’d ever seen strolled down an airport terminal as if they owned the place.
“Ooh! Do you think they have nachos?”
“It’s a Tex-Mex restaurant, Phillip, I’m sure they have nachos.”
The franchises paid a steep price to ply their trade in a location where people were forced to wait, urged to arrive early and given nothing comfortable to rest their weary rears upon. The restaurants saw a need and catered to their wishes with plush booths and comfy stools.
“We need to check our passes first then we’ll meet back here.”
Three groups separated, two consisting of paired mated and one with three. The process was the same everywhere.
“Hello, boarding pass, please.”
“Here you are.”
“Thank you. Okay you’re checked in. The intercom will sound when you’re flight’s ready to leave.”
They were back eating within fifteen minutes. The nachos lasted thirty seconds and a second was ordered.
“Okay, we’ve got five minutes before the first one leaves.”
A signal was given and a Wolf and Vampire arose from their seats. The airport was like all others; a place of business. The airport was the landlord, the stores and restaurants the tenants. Tenants who needed to run their businesses in order to pay the landlord. Employees were both necessary and undesirable. They performed the services of the institution but were a burden to the bottom line.
“Hello, Jose.”
“Hello, Mr. George.”
The transfer took but a second. It was done in the corridor separating the restaurant from the flying public. The corridors ran off the main terminal hallways and were accessible to all. The warning of ‘Employees Only’ at the door separating corridor from hallway was for show only. Businesses needed to receive goods and rid themselves of waste. The flying public had no wish to see either so a mazelike structure was built to allow those working the ability to do so without interfering with customers who were waiting to leave. A boarding pass was exchanged for a restaurant employee card which was filthy due to the food preparation service. It hid the face. It probably wasn’t necessary since no one cared when a worker left the premises for they weren’t important. A Vampire’s pass was transferred and another employment badge acquired. The announcement came over the intercom less than a minute later.
“Have a good flight.”
The two who had worked so hard to achieve the American dream were returning home with what they desired; an amount of money which would allow them to live their lives in tranquility on the southern beaches of their Latin homeland. The Wolf and Vampire went back to their seats in the restaurant.
“Hey! Has anyone seen Jose and Lucinda?” someone yelled as the bill was paid and seven went in search of others who provided a service for a pittance of profit.
They had been bought by LeTorque and returned to their promise-land in exchange for an electronic transfer of wealth. The deal had been done without even a glitch for the workers were so underpaid and overused they joyously accepted the terms.
Two more restaurants, four more badges exchanged. The child’s was the only difficult one but the airport held a daycare center and a mother and son were soon reunited with a father who missed them very much.
A phone call was accepted, congratulations given and one more deed ordered in return for infinite wealth. Seven Superiors walked out the airport and went on to the last phase. Two more jets took off from a different airport an hour later.
