City 55

by William Pinecroft

“Mr. Nelson, she’ll see you now.”

  Charlie got up with a hint of hesitation, gave Pam and Dan a quick look, and then followed the assistant into Dr. Buscher’s office.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Nelson,” Dr. Buscher said as she welcomed Charlie into the office.

  “Good afternoon, ma’am,” responded Charlie.

  “Helena is fine,” offered Dr. Buscher.

  Ah, fuck, what the hell is Mr. Nelson’s first name? Charlie had no idea. He couldn’t reciprocate. Jesus, Charlie! “Helena,” said Charlie, still struggling to offer the same courtesy back.

  “I’m sure you know I have five minutes. You have some protocols you think will revolutionize—I think that’s how you termed it—our current processes on a few fronts. Let’s get down to it.”

  Charlie began the explanation he had rehearsed with Timber and the technical crew. They had questioned him about every detail in the event Helena began to pick apart his ideas. The entire time, she sat motionless, giving Charlie her unnerving full attention.

  Charlie’s mind was racing. He was trying to concentrate on the pitch he was reciting, while also scanning the room for a place to put this damn sensor. The tiny thing was sitting at the base of his palm, out of contact from anyone shaking his hand. All he needed to do was touch it against something. But how was he going to do that with her watching him? As he drew to a close, he felt the sweat start to build on his forehead. Charlie was losing time and the opportunity to pull this off.

  “I’m sorry, are you hot? Do you need a tissue?” interrupted Helena as she passed Charlie the tissue box.

  Charlie nodded and took the container, wiping his forehead with one of the tissues. As he did so, he pressed the device to the underside of the container before handing it back to Helena.

  Please put it down. Don’t turn it over.

  Helena placed the container back on the desk, oblivious of its significance. Their meeting ended with a knock from the assistant exactly five minutes from the start. Charlie was escorted out and thanked profusely for the information he was able to provide. As he, Dan, and Pam met up, he fought the urge to run straight for the main door, seeking the refuge of the busy street beyond its borders. He managed to maintain his composure until feeding into the alleyways that traverse the outskirts of The Corporation.

  “I don’t know,” was all that escaped Charlie as he quickened his pace down the narrow street.

  ****

  Timber had a crew on twenty-four hour observation, watching and recording the feed from Dr. Buscher’s office. The device was able to produce a 3D image of the room, coupled with audio. It had largely been untested in this type of operation but with the security protocols in place, they had no choice. The crew was looking for a point of access to The Proxy in order to feed a virus directly into the main computer hub. Timber had suggested, and then developed an artificial intelligence virus that would be able to infiltrate The Proxy.

  The virus was designed to communicate with Timber using a unique digital language, capable of being programmed to fuse together and mutate into computer organs that Timber and her crew would be able to control. In doing this, the virus could morph to avoid detection, and then accept commands from a remote source to either manipulate or crash The Proxy. The virus also acted like a resident virus that hides and stores itself within the computer memory, allowing it then to infect any portion of the host. The virus will load its replication module into memory, avoiding the requirement for execution to infect other files in the system. Rather, it activates whenever The Proxy begins to process current surveillance into digital commands that are sent back to the city hubs. Although The Proxy is becoming independent, data streams are still input, allowing an avenue for the virus to travel, and then affix itself.

  The system requires that the virus be directly loaded into the network that The Proxy operates from. Should the virus be sent via the same channels that information arrives from the hub cities, it would be destroyed by active security protocols. The Corporation enjoys an impenetrable network from outside its network, whereas vulnerabilities exist if an unknown entity can be introduced from within. Somehow, Timber was going to find out how. For all Charlie knew, Timber may not be able to glean anything from the sensor in Dr. Buscher’s office. Even if they did find something useful, Charlie would then have to put that information to use. The next part of this operation sounded like it required a professional assault team. Too bad the Guardian Element soldiers weren’t mercenaries.

  Timber’s team commenced round the clock operations to infiltrate Istanbul’s main office. They had all worked on projects like this before but none were given the same priority. Whatever Timber was planning to do with this information must be big because she spared no expense with the crews. Before long, they had devised a plan for the three individuals located in Istanbul to enter and load the virus into the main computer system that fed The Proxy. Timber approved the daring plan before it was loaded into the communication server.

  ****

  The following afternoon, Charlie received a message to check the communications server. Charlie and Pam visited a different communications bank that evening and downloaded the plans from Timber. The instructions were explicit; to include the exact terminal that the device would need to be uploaded to. Everything was included, that is, everything except getting in and out of the building without anyone the wiser of their true intentions.

  That night Charlie, Dan, and Pam again poured over the guidelines. Charlie relaxed as best he could in the bar they were convening in, excited to see an elusive light at the end of their long journey. He sat sipping his beer, contemplating the freedom the world was going to enjoy when a news report broadcast above the bar stopped him cold.

  “Can you turn that up?” asked Charlie. When no one paid attention to him, he got up and yelled, “Can you turn that up… Please?”

  The bartender walked over and turned up the news report.

  “Two terrorist individuals have been apprehended in City 55 following an extensive investigation. Guardian Element teams moved in this morning to apprehend both individuals after evidence gathered confirmed intricate details to terrorize our citizens and the World Government,” announced the news reporter on the nightly report.

  Charlie, Pam, and Dan sat speechless as they watched the final moments of the raid. Guardian Element teams led the man and woman from an unknown apartment building. They each had their hands zip tied behind their back and heads held down, facing the pavement. Before the two were loaded into the waiting van, the camera zoomed in to catch their terror-stricken faces. An instant later, Sam and Sheila had hoods thrown over them, blackness ensuing until they reached whatever detention hell that awaited them.

  “Reports from trusted sources tell us that these two were part of a criminal network that has been operating as separate cells for almost a year now. In fact, this news agency broke the story when one cell from the organization was dismantled down in City 17. Now again, we are pleased to inform you that law enforcement agencies are closing in on the remaining members targeting our fair city. Trusted officials assure us justice is imminent. The interests and safety of the public are their top priority. Thank you all for tuning in. As always, this is your most trusted news agency, bringing you the very best our government has to offer.” The TV cut to commercials.

  ****

  Dr. Buscher flipped off the screen.

  She picked up the telephone and dialed line three.

  “Inner Cordon Facilities, the warden speaking.”

  “Warden Sanders, is it? This is Dr. Helena Busch—”

  “Yes ma’am. How can I help you ma’am?”

  “You apprehended two individuals last night.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “Have you been able to pull anything useful from them?”

  “The interviews are in progress.”

  “Can you push the feed to my office?”

  “Of course ma’am. I need your routing number.”
r />   “I’ll connect you with our IT. Please have it up immediately.”

  “Yes ma’am, of course.”

  Dr. Buscher hung up the phone and turned on her 3D display. She pulled up an additional component that could be fed diagnostics from the detention facilities. Five minutes later, the holograms of Sheila and two interrogators sat in her office. Dr. Buscher paged through a series of data display choices until retrieving and selecting Sheila’s vitals. She flipped down an eyepiece giving her an updating display of Sheila. The connection at the base of Dr. Buscher’s skull also sent electrical signals mimicking the electrical signals being produced by Sheila’s brain.

  Dr. Buscher pulled a sweater on as a chill passed through her body. She was nervous, afraid for her life but also afraid for what she might say. Dr. Buscher never got used to this, despite the multitude of times she sat in on interviews. She struggled to disassociate herself with the captive’s feelings. Her first few times trying this, ended with her sobbing in the corner, the office door locked to all. She blamed the local cuisine and went home for the day. Since then, she had been able to isolate the feelings, acknowledge them for what they were, keeping a logical outlook to analyze what was happening in the cell. She turned on the audio and flipped down her microphone as she leaned back in her chair.

  “You want to go back in?” asked Lain, one of the interrogators.

  Sheila sobbed. Lain motioned to his partner to slide the adjoining wall open.

  “You know what that is? That was your home a couple of hours ago. That glass box will be your home again, just as it’s Sam’s right now.”

  “No. Sam?”

  “Yes. And that feeling? You want that again? You give us what we want and we’ll let you go.”

  Sheila struggled to comprehend what was unfolding before her. The lights and water that were dancing off the glass enclosure were playing tricks on her mind. It seemed as if the box was underwater, lost in oblivion. She could see Sam, lying on the ground, curled up in the fetal position with his hands over his ears. She couldn’t tell if his eyes were closed or not. She couldn’t shake the void that was starting to encroach upon her. Whatever they had given her was still in her system, slowly subsiding. She needed some water.

  “Give her some water,” Dr. Buscher instructed Lain.

  Lain motioned for water to be brought. A glass of water was placed in front of Sheila, who downed it with one motion. She couldn’t give up the group. Charlie, Dan, and Pam were fighting for everything she believed in. She couldn’t betray them.

  “She’s nervous. She feels guilty. I think she’s thinking about her friends,” Dr. Buscher said.

  “A name.”

  Sheila looked up at Lain.

  “A name or you go back in.”

  Sheila looked back at Sam.

  He was shaking. “Charlie,” Sam yelled. “His name is Charlie. He’s the one… He’s the one.”

  “Who is Charlie, Sheila?” asked Lain.

  “I don’t know.”

  “Your partner just named him. Who is he?” Lain signaled to the other interrogator. “Put her in.”

  “No.”

  Lain held up his hand, as the other man grabbed Sheila by the arm. “Who is he?”

  Sheila wept. “He’s a hero. He’s a man who truly cares about those around him. I’m sorry, Charlie… I’m sorry, Charlie.”

  “She seems to be telling the truth. It appears she knows someone named Charlie,” Dr. Buscher said.

  “Where is he?” Lain asked.

  “I don’t know. I truly don’t know. If you put me in that contraption for the rest of my life, I still won’t know. He’s out there. He was operating when you picked us up. That’s all I know.”

  “Do we know who this guy is?” asked Lain.

  “No. We just know he’s still out there. We’ve only apprehended five other members of this group. None of them fit the description of a leader. They still haven’t given us anything, right?” Dr. Buscher asked.

  “No. We can’t break them. They just turn off their brains. The vitals show activity but it remains level, never peaking no matter what we throw at them.”

  “Track down this Charlie character… Now,” Dr. Buscher commanded. “I want these two and the other five under constant observation.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  Dr. Buscher hung up the phone. She needed another espresso.

  ****

  The initial shock rippled through the three. “Here’s to two great friends. Friends who were willing to sacrifice for people they didn’t even know,” said Dan as he raised his glass.

  They toasted and drank to the memory of Sam and Sheila.

  Charlie halfheartedly partook. More people swept away because of him. What was the count now? Charlie slumped back in the chair still holding his glass, not paying attention to the scene around him or what Pam and Dan were saying. He was lost again. The feelings following Fred’s capture, replaying in his mind. The flood of emotions and desperation taking hold. Tomorrow he was going to risk the lives of two more people. It wasn’t worth it. Whenever he thought they were safe or had a glimpse of what lay ahead, his dreams were crushed. Power truly did lie with the few. The many remained trapped within its reaches.

  Charlie,” said Pam. “Charlie… Charlie,” she repeated as she shook his arm. “We knew this was the risk. This wasn’t you. This was them. It’s why they are where they are. It’s why they are in control. And it’s why they shouldn’t be. Charlie?”

  Charlie looked over at Pam in a depressed delirium. What did she know? “We should go home guys,” said Charlie finally. “We can’t win.”

  “Charlie, I’m not going anywhere,” Pam said.

  “We need to leave,” Charlie said again.

  Pam paused, and then spoke, “If you need to then you should. But I’m staying to finish this thing we started. It’s not on you. It’s my decision.”

  Dan got up. “Cheers, Pam. Me too.”

  Charlie sat there looking at both of them. How could they have so much faith when two more were gone? How could they believe so? Charlie remained humbled and astounded by their faith. Finally, he got up. “Well, I can’t let you guys do this without me. Cheers.”

  CHAPTER 12

  PEE CARPET

  “Dan, is this guy going to come through?” asked Charlie.

  “Yeah man, of course. Maybe. Fuck. I don’t know. I’ve known the guy for two days.”

  “Our lives depend on him,” interjected Pam.

  “Yeah, I’m aware. Timber and he go way back. She may not be trustworthy but she wants what we want, so if this doesn’t work, she’s screwed too,” Dan said.

  “True. But she won’t be packaged up and sent away for the rest of her life,” said Charlie. That sealed the end of the conversation. Charlie was risking his and more importantly, Pam and Dan’s lives on the trustworthiness of a stranger. The only assurance they had about this guy was from Timber, and Charlie knew where her loyalties lay. Dan was right though. Timber looked to profit, no matter the scenario. If they succeeded, she would be in a prime position to take advantage. Charlie wasn’t sure if he could morally justify the fact that Timber’s criminal enterprise would flourish because of him, but he knew they were out of luck without her. He told himself she was a necessary evil.

  “Ahmed, this is Pam and Charlie. They’re the people I was telling you about,” said Dan as the three walked into the carpet store. Ahmed was dressed in a well-tailored business suit. Through the window onto the street, the store had on display a partially woven rug that demonstrated to the viewer what it would entail to loom such a tapestry. All around them lay hundreds of rolled up rugs shoved against the walls and stacked to the ceiling. A few different options were unrolled for customers to peruse. Two of Ahmed’s workers immediately brought water and Turkish coffee to the three. They sat and sipped the coffee, making sure to avoid the grinds, which remained within the cups.

  “Once we get you inside, you’re on your own,” said Ahmed.
He had the blueprints of the headquarters laid out on a rug. “Here is where we will enter,” he continued as he pointed to the diagram. He also had photographs of the outside of the building, which he referred to as well. “This is our route from the loading entrance to the halls where we will unroll and display the carpets. We place the carpets after our sales pitch, here.”

  Dan, Charlie, and Pam followed along. They had studied the inside of the building, including the pathways from the loading entrance to where the carpets were to be dropped off. They reviewed the final steps of the route and access requirements for the terminals where they would be able to load the virus.

  “Currently, they have ordered ten of my rugs to decorate the hallways along this wing of the headquarters. They haven’t made the effort to come to my store, so we are bringing a hundred different carpets for them to choose from,” continued Ahmed. “We are to bring the carpets for inspection. You three will be in the second set of ten,” explained Ahmed.

  “So they’ll choose from the lot, and then I’m assuming you lay out the rugs for further inspection?” asked Pam.

  “Yes, of course,” replied Ahmed.

  “Well, I have to ask. What if they like a rug that we’re in?” asked Pam.

  “Well, first, we are putting you in, how do you say, shit rugs. But these people probably have no taste, so if they like the rugs you three are rolled up in, we’ll improvise,” said Ahmed.

  “Improvise, huh?” asked Charlie. “Well, odds are, they won’t pick our rugs, right?” followed up Charlie.

  “Sure,” groaned Dan and Pam.

  “Great. So we are in agreement?” finished Ahmed.

  “Make sure you place us here, in the correct spot,” said Charlie as he pointed to the agreed upon drop-off.

  “Yes, of course,” dismissed Ahmed. Ahmed motioned to his workers, who began loading rugs into the waiting delivery vans.

  ****

  “Hey,” yelled Pam. No response. “Hey,” she yelled again.

  “What?”

  “Who is that?”

  “It’s me.”