City 55

by William Pinecroft

  Five minutes later, there was a knock at Jerry’s office door. Jerry lifted his head. He couldn’t believe it. Sam and Ms. Carpenter walked in. Sam walked straight to the desk Jerry was sitting at. He never took his eyes from Jerry. As he approached, he reached into the inside breast pocket of his vest. He was wearing all but the jacket of a custom tailored three-piece. He drew his hand from the vest, causing Jerry’s heart to sink. Jerry figured he was done for. His office would be where it happened, stark, without character, and no ceremony to commemorate Jerry and his short life. The guys would never know what transpired, left to ponder the possibilities. However, all Sam had was a small piece of paper. He leaned on the desk with both hands holding it flat for Jerry to read. Jerry did so, taking his time to ensure nothing was missed. After he did, Jerry gazed up at Sam.

  ****

  Jerry met Sam and Ms. Carpenter by the harbor north of downtown San Francisco thirty minutes later. Ms. Carpenter no longer carried the recording apparatus she had in the office. Jerry was standing next to a warehouse by a deserted street as the two strolled up to him. Jerry should have brought someone else. What the hell was I thinking? His mind couldn’t stop racing as the two enforcers for whomever, approached. Jerry finally straightened up as Sam strode up to him, within inches of his face. Sam had picked this specific corner for the meeting. He had been explicit with the route Jerry would take from the office to meet them here.

  “You’re accessing the same information you did a couple of weeks ago,” Ms. Carpenter opened.

  “Ms. Carpenter. I don’t—” Jerry said.

  “It’s Sheila. Every time you access archived data, a log is made in the network, and certain notifications are distributed throughout the associated departments. These are cross-referenced with pertinent reasoning, specific to that employee who accessed the information. In your case, any open legal disputes or assignments you’re on will be referenced against the data you are requesting to view, in order to ascertain whether or not you should gain access. If you shouldn’t then a statistical test is administered to figure out if such a request by you was made with hostile intent or if that request was caused by routine investigative mistakes that are deemed indicative of human beings.” Sheila paused to give the next part of her explanation effect. “When you request data twice that has zero relevance to your current caseload, red flags start popping up. The statistical tests are accomplished again with an additional degree of freedom and basically, you’re fucked if there is no reason for the request.”

  “Sheila? Hi, I’m Jerry.”

  Sheila shook her head then looked over at Sam, sighing as she did so.

  “Thanks Sheila,” said Sam. “Jerry, why are you accessing historical data across this slew of topics? And why for such a large period of time? Either you are writing a report for school, you are fascinated with The Corporation and The World Government, or you are looking to develop a pattern of behavior that could be used against the company in the future.” Sam paused, looking at Jerry. “Why are you trying to develop patterns?”

  “Over the past decade, I have noticed the types of cases, which our office has processed,” began Jerry. Jerry continued with his explanation, tying everything he had accessed in the past with the two requests in question. He referred to cases that had caused him concern due to the processes employed. Jerry emphasized the importance of efficiency and productivity, arguing that only by analyzing past actions could he expect to improve upon his own performance. He argued and argued as if he were before a judge in the courtroom, itemizing accounts and examples of areas to improve for the benefit of The Corporation. He impressed upon Sam and Sheila the requirement that the work produced by his office must be above reproach. The entire speech was delivered as only a lawyer could do. By the end of it, Jerry almost had himself believing the bullshit coming out of his mouth.

  Sam and Sheila regarded Jerry, without a sound or interruption until he had finished. “You know what we do?” asked Sam finally.

  Jerry paused for a second, and then answered, “You process data.”

  “Yes we do,” said Sam. “We process data from every section of The Corporation in order to make sure The Proxy in Istanbul receives all information in an efficient manner. This means we have access to every piece of information that flows through our terminals, as well as The Corporation’s processes for analysis. We analyze and tweak to ensure we use the most effective methods. Basically, we have complete, unadulterated access to everything.” Sam looked at Jerry as he finished.

  Jerry stared back, not yet understanding what Sam was getting at. “Okay?” said Jerry finally.

  “So, if you were to challenge the way things are, we would be two people that could help,” finished Sam. Sam and Sheila now looked at Jerry, letting the last statement sink in. He stated these points as matters of fact without any further explanation.

  Jerry processed what Sam was telling him. Either Sam was excellent at bluffing, unveiling an innovative tactic to get Jerry to spill his guts, thus resulting in a hidden Guardian Element team deployed to bag and gag him for the rest of his life or, Sam and Sheila wanted in. With them, Charlie might actually have a chance with his cockamamie idea to take on the world. Without them, they were dead. “Well,” said Jerry, who then paused. “That sounds illegal,” he proceeded while looking at both. “I’m not sure if we should be talking about this.”

  “Do you think I had you come to this specific spot on accident?” Sam asked.

  Jerry had no idea.

  “We see all data, which means we know where the surveillance devices are. Look around you. What do you see?”

  Jerry looked around, up and down the street, and then along the buildings that lined the corner they were standing on.

  “Look closer,” instructed Sam.

  Jerry did. There was nothing. There were buildings and there were streets.

  “One of the blind spots in the city,” said Sam.

  Jerry didn’t see any cameras but that didn’t mean they weren’t somewhere, hidden from view. This could be a way to trap inquisitive victims. Jerry stalled for a moment longer. After an adequate pause, where he contemplated remaining stoic before these two strangers, he broke down and confessed before Sam and Sheila. He gave up everything except names. Of course, he was taking a risk here, but he reasoned the reward was worth the threat. Even so, if anything happened to Charlie, Dan, or Pam, he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself. After he ended his dissertation, he realized Sheila and Sam were gawking at him with visible shock.

  “You’re trying to hack the most secure system in the world based on a hallucinogenic ridden camping trip where two of your druggy friends found the answer to life?” exclaimed Sheila in disbelief.

  “No, no, trust me. I saw it too,” went on Jerry. He explained to them the experience down in Death Valley, forgetting to leave out the details of his naked wondering and eventual comatose state.

  “What?” said Sheila.

  Sam looked on, amused by the whole spectacle. “I believe what Sheila is trying to say is that you may want some additional concrete evidence before challenging the most powerful organization that has ever been. In particular, a clear mind may prove worthwhile especially when gambling with your lives.”

  “Come meet my friends,” Jerry said. “You’ll see. I know it’s crazy. But, somehow, it all makes sense.”

  ****

  “Thanks for coming,” opened Charlie. Pam and Dan were the only ones present. They met at Pam’s microbrewery on the southeast edge of San Francisco. In comparison with current standards of brewing, the facility had recently fallen into a state of mild disrepair. The company still used copper for the brewing vessel and mash tun, which is designed to allow the grains to soak, releasing the nutrients to later convert into alcohol. Most modern breweries used new composite metals designed with specific properties. Scientists could engineer different metals based on a variety of criteria. The state run brewery was even able to devote specialized metals to specific t
ypes of beer. This specification brought out the extreme qualities of particular styles.

  Three huge copper vessels stood in the middle of one of the rooms within the brewery. An array of pipes and electronics connected them together, all feeding to the operating console along the sidewall. The brewery also utilized six smaller vessels, which were devoted to less popular beers, as well as experimentation. As breweries went, this was a small operation, which struggled to remain afloat.

  Dan and Pam’s eyes both snapped left as Charlie continued. Charlie was oblivious to the distraction until he heard Jerry behind him.

  “Dan, Pam, and of course Charlie, please allow me to introduce Sam and Sheila.”

  Sam and Sheila shook hands with everyone as Charlie, Pam, and Dan stood speechless, staring back and forth between Jerry and the two uninvited guests.

  After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, Dan blurted, “What the fuck, Jerry?”

  Jerry held up his hands in an effort to reassure all in the room. “It’s okay, they work for The Corporation.”

  “What?” Charlie and Pam now yelled in unison

  “What the fuck, Jerry?” Dan asked again.

  “No, I mean, okay yes, that sounds bad. Yes, they work for The Corporation. But they’re cool. They’re data analysts, well, he’s a manager,” Jerry went on trying to quell everyone’s fears, all to no avail.

  Sam and Sheila remained silent, apparently amused at the scene before them. Finally, Sam spoke up. “Listen. We know you want to destroy The Corporation, The World Government, and change all of society.”

  Now all three looked at Sam with wide eyes.

  Dan shook his head.

  After the initial shock passed, Pam offered up the great idea to move the group over to a makeshift bar next to the brewing equipment. She jumped behind the bar and began pouring. After a few, all were a bit more relaxed with the others’ company. Between sips of a few of the more potent options, Charlie explained to Sam and Sheila what they had all seen and felt.

  “Remarkable,” exclaimed Sam. “What you’re explaining is the concept behind how minds form to drive The Proxy. The jelly seems a bit weird. Our conscious minds are aware, aware of everything around us. The subconscious, on the other hand, is not quite. Rather, it is what is accessible. As a side note, the unconscious is used to drive our behaviors. Additionally, many studies suggest the subconscious cannot be trusted, as it is not logical. I could go on and on and obviously, this is a rudimentary example of a much more complicated subject.”

  Everyone sat listening to Sam, sipping their beers, which Pam refilled if they fell to less than a quarter full.

  “The subconscious mind is a fused interpretation of the things we see, hear, or observe that cannot immediately be processed by the conscious mind. This could include anything. It all happens in the background, tucked away from our consciousness, preventing us from witnessing what is actually happening. Of course, this can all come to the forefront of one’s conscious via certain triggers. Triggers will vary depending on what it is we are referring to. Additionally, some aspects of our unconscious will need a bit more prodding than others.” Sam took a sip of his beer. “This is outstanding.”

  “Thanks,” said Pam. “We’ve started on the private batch. You all are my first customers.”

  Sam continued explaining the finer points of how The Proxy operated, answering many of the questions Charlie had regarding what he had seen with both Dan and Fred. He also reaffirmed many of the misgivings Charlie had with how everything operated, solidifying in him the desire to do something to change the manner in which they were governed.

  “We need to observe The Proxy,” Charlie said.

  “Everything is tied to a network,” Sam replied. “Which means, there are weaknesses. All networks have vulnerabilities. All. No matter what people say.” He paused to take another sip. “If you can access the network, you may be able to see what is happening.”

  “Dan?” Charlie said.

  “Yeah buddy?” Dan said.

  “Can your friends help?”

  “If you mean the criminals that I try my best to avoid unless I really need a reason to talk to them, then yes, they probably can help.”

  “Good.”

  ****

  Dan dropped a folded piece of yellow notebook paper on the desk. Sheila stood behind and to the right of him, wary of the bodyguards popping out of nowhere, forming a circle around both of them. Dan had decided to bring Sheila, because he figured if anything unsavory happened here at this meeting, Sheila would have a better chance at surviving than Sam. Dan remained bold, in defiance, welcoming a reproach from these behemoths. This meeting was at the behest of Dan. He knew that calling such a meeting, and then not delivering in accordance with the expectations, could prove less than favorable for both of them. Nobody wanted their time wasted, especially busy criminals who have networks throughout the city to run.

  Timber looked up at Dan from across the desk. She motioned to one of the guards who then picked up the piece of paper and unfolded it. He read aloud the written message on the paper.

  “Corner of 4th and Pacific below the yellow sign.” He paused a moment. “Corner of Park and Belmont across the street from the liquor store."

  Timber looked up at Dan shrugging in expectation. Dan was about to speak. He was the one that was supposed to be in charge here. He was the one who had set up the meeting because he had been working with these people for years.

  “Those are surveillance blind spots. We have a list of forty-five more strewn throughout the city,” Sheila announced.

  Dan could feel his confidence ebbing.

  Timber took a few moments before speaking. “What makes you think I care about surveillance blind spots, as you call them?” she asked.

  “Because you deal with information and other criminal activities throughout the city. These will give you the means to communicate unobserved,” answered Sheila.

  Dan shook his head. “What she means to—” began Dan.

  “Really?” responded Timber. “I do, do I? Who told you all this?” she asked, looking at Dan. “Now, I’m sure you both realize that should certain people entertain the idea that the activities I participate in are anything but legal, I could end up in a compromising situation. Along those lines, the fact that this stranger decides it is acceptable to pass judgments on my and my associates’ activities, leads me to believe that certain people are not as careful as they should be when referring to my organization and I. Now, should I be led to believe that someone poses a threat to said organization then it would certainly behoove me to express my displeasure with that person. What we do here and also the perception of what we do here, are vitally important to me.” Timber paused for a moment. “Dan, are there any parts of what I am saying unclear?”

  Dan shook his head.

  The bodyguards had edged closer to Sheila and Dan as Timber continued her tirade. They now stood behind the two unwanted guests, ready to execute the wishes of their boss should the command follow. Dan was all too aware of the looming mountains that had moved in. His mind was now racing with complex plans he could enact to free Sheila and him of this deteriorating predicament. So far, his only idea was to combat roll between the mountains’ legs and then rappel out the window. Likely, multiple issues would present themselves as he tried to pull this string of maneuvers off. As his mind raced off into the cosmos, Sheila unpacked her tablet.

  She opened the tablet and typed a few commands, despite the protests from the bodyguards behind her. Timber didn’t object so Sheila continued. Upon completion of her operations, she placed the device on Timber’s desk, displaying a set of surveillance feeds from the southeast section of the city. A holographic projection of the city was also displayed over the desk. From here, Sheila could zoom in and out, while also snatching feeds, whether video, voice, or text and throw them up in the air to the side for all to observe. The feeds registered throughout the entire city, displaying real time footage of what was
happening. She was also able to pinpoint the blind locations and display them, zooming in to show precise locations free of surveillance. As Sheila focused on these specific areas, the surveillance gathered in the vicinity remained visible for Timber to observe. The blind areas were void of information, providing a visual representation of the free area to operate within.

  She did this repeatedly, moving across the entire city, displaying everything that was being gathered by The Corporation and The World Government. Timber watched as Sheila moved information around.

  "Focus on us," Timber said.

  Sheila did and zoomed in to a street level representation. From here, Sheila was able to separate the video feeds that originated from the streets in front of Timber’s place, as well as pinpoint conversations throughout the area.

  Dan gained back his confidence during this exchange. “Timber, we have these resources. We’ve also been able to distinguish the patterns that govern The Proxy’s behavior.”

  “So what do you need me for?” asked Timber.

  “We need to hack into The Corporation and extract the methods, which are currently employed. We don’t know how exactly The Corporation, The World Government, and The Proxy work. We want to insert a team that can get this information for us. We don’t know who can do this. You do. You get us the people. We’ll get them in.”

  “You’re going to get them in?” Timber asked.

  “Yes,” Dan said.

  “Where?”

  “The Corporation.”

  “How are you going to manage that?”

  Sheila took over and explained to her what Sam and she did. She also explained the protocols with which the systems operated. If Sam and Sheila followed normal practices and avoided generating red flags within the system, then they would be able to extract and view the information Dan was asking for.

  “If this goes south, I will do everything in my power to distance myself,” Timber said.

  Dan nodded.

  Timber leaned back in her chair and looked at Dan and Sheila. “Okay,” she agreed. “I’ll get the people. You get them in.”