by Mark Donovan
“Would a person notice any side effects of carrying the nano-dust in the body?” asked Dan. “For example would they feel some pressure on their eye or would their vision be blurred in anyway.”
“No, they wouldn’t feel any significant pressure on the optic nerve, nor would their vision be blurred. Although, it might be possible that they feel some eye fatigue by late in the day, as the video sensor is in effect a form of a parasite on the eye. However the fatigue would be very minimal and would have no long term negative impact on the eye.”
“How is information transmitted and received to and from the nano-dust sensors to NSurv?” asked Ron.
“Very simply,” responded Dr. Gillian. Communication with the nano-dust sensors occurs via any Wi-Fi connection within a two hundred meter radius of the sensors, regardless of whether or not the Wi-Fi unit has security enabled, or is a mobile unit. As long as there is a Wi-Fi device within this range we can transmit instructions and receive uploads to and from the nano-dust particles.”
“Dr. Gillian, you and your team have outdone yourselves yet again,” said Ron as he slapped Dr. Gillian on the back. “This technology will allow us to conduct the surveillance we need to fully unravel the sorted connections and inter-workings between the administration and its allies.”
“Thank you Ron. My team has worked very hard on bringing this technology to fruition.”
“One final question though Dr. Gillian. I see you had Rufus ingest the nano-dust by eating it. Next weekend’s private meeting with the Secretary of Commerce and business leaders in San Francisco will involve several dozen people. How do you plan on having us deploy the nano-dust at this event?”
“The nano-dust can also be ingested into a human body via inhalation,” responded Dr. Gillian. “Consequently, we will provide you and your team with several aerosol containers filled with nano-dust. You’ll just need to inject the contents of the aerosol containers into the hotel conference room’s air conditioning system.”
“Initially you’ll be able to observe anyone, or anything, that has inhaled the nano-dust. For those that inhaled the nano-dust that do not have a DNA signature that you’re interested in, you’ll deactivate their nano-dust immediately. Thus, only the targets you want to keep tabs on will have their nano-dust activated, controlled and monitored.”
Chapter 11 (March 1, 7:00pm Eastern Standard Time)
Following his meeting with Joe Stevens in the morning, Dave had flown the Citation M2 from Boston down to New York City and had checked into the Waldorf Astoria hotel. He was having dinner this evening with Dana Cogswell, a reporter with the American Broadcasting Organization (ABO). They had gone to Stanford together, where Dana had majored in Journalism. Dana had worked at a couple of ABO local television news affiliates, including one out in the San Jose area, before working her way up as an investigative reporter at ABO headquarters in New York City. They had dated both at Stanford and when she was working in the San Jose ABO affiliate, however their careers had kept them from making a long term commitment with one another. Both, however, still very much cared for one another as they were cut from the same cloth. They each had what seemed to be unlimited drive and ambition, yet both were humble and altruistic when it came to dealing with other people and their endeavors. Both had a philosophy of self-reliance gained from their modest childhood upbringings and their resultant hard work ethics.
Consequently, unlike the typical journalist of today, Dana Cogswell was no politically correct lemming. When she reported news, she made every attempt to show the entire story and let the viewers come to their own conclusion, rather than draw one for them. Unfortunately however, in recent years she had found herself frequently at odds with her boss and senior management at ABO. ABO increasingly toed the line to the current left leaning President and his administration, and often prevented her from running her reports without first major edits to them.
She knew in part the main reason behind ABO management’s actions. Since the purchase of a 51% stake in ABO stock by Greek billionaire Dimitris Barbas five years ago, ABO’s programming, and particularly its news content, had swung dramatically to the political left. For anyone who was even moderately objective it was not too hard to understand. Mr. Barbas was a self-professed progressive-liberal proponent that was intent on reshaping the thinking of the American public, a population that he had deep resentment for. In Barbas’s view, as well as with several other wealthy international billionaires, the United States needed to be reined in so that other countries could have an opportunity to raise themselves up in economic power and influence, equal to that of the U.S. Anyone at ABO that did not get on board with Mr. Barbas’s philosophy was quickly shown the front door, including several long time ABO executives shortly after his effective takeover of the company.
Dave walked into the restaurant lobby at the hotel at 7pm sharp. As usual Dana was always punctual and was already waiting for him when he arrived. She greeted him with her gorgeous smile and beautiful green eyes. Dana was stunning to say the least with a slim athletic figure and long wavy brunette hair. Though she was now in her early 40’s she still commanded the presence of any man when she walked into a room. Though she wouldn’t admit it to anyone, she knew it was her looks that partially allowed her to still have her way with ABO’s editors on political stories that were not necessarily in full alignment with Mr. Barbas. She got ABO viewer ratings, and like many very wealthy businessman, Mr. Barbas liked seeing his financial accounts grow more than anything else, including accomplishing his own personal political agenda.
“You look as beautiful as ever,” Dave said, as he greeted Dana with a warm embrace and a kiss on the cheek.
“You’re looking well too,” responded Dana, as she wistfully thought of their romantic times together years ago.
“I’m glad you could meet with me on such short notice. We’ve been extremely busy at NSurv and uncovered some information in recent days that I wanted to talk to you about.”
The restaurant hostess came up to Dave and Dana and welcomed them to the restaurant. After showing them to the coat room she escorted the two to their table. Dave had specifically asked, when making the reservation, for a table in the back of the restaurant where it would be somewhat isolated from the other dining tables. He had wanted a little more privacy to enable him to discretely discuss with Dana the story of the Vice President down in Buenos Aires the previous week.
After selecting a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from the wine list and ordering an appetizer plate of bruschetta, Dave explained to Dana what his team down in Buenos Aires had uncovered at the International Summit on Global Climate Change. Though Dana had already been aware of NSurv’s nanotechnology and clandestine objectives, she was shocked to hear about the incident with the Vice President and the young girl.
“Have they identified the young girl’s body and returned it to her family?” asked Dana.
“Unfortunately not,” responded Dave. “Apparently she had no identification on her when they found her body, and from what we’ve been able to learn since my team’s return, is that the local Buenos Aires police have been quietly asked by our administration to close the case. So far it appears the Buenos Aires police are honoring the administration’s request.”
“It’s a pathetic shame and a despicable act,” said Dana.
“It’s just another example of the administration’s brazenness to do what it wants and when it wants to anyone who it sees fit,” replied Dave. “It is one more instance of their arrogance and disrespect for the individual and innocent. They truly only care and work for their own self-interests. They need to be stopped and I am hoping you can help Dana.”
“What would you like me to do?” asked Dana.
“I’d like to provide you with an edited copy of the video feed of the Vice President’s act and run with it,” responded Dave. “I want the citizens of this country and the world to see what our Vice President is all about.”
Dana stared back at Dave in deep thou
ght debating in her mind if the ABO executives would allow this information to be released to the public. “I can talk to Jeff Kolosky,” replied Dana in a whisper. “He’s the Vice President of the ABO news division. I doubt he will run it, but I’ll give it a shot. I know he’s not always lock-step with ABO’s CEO and Board of Director’s political leanings on news programming, however, he values his position so I am not too optimistic. When can you send me the video?”
“I’ll have it shipped to you overnight. You should have the tape first thing Monday morning.”
“Okay, I’ll try to meet with Jeff Monday afternoon and discuss it with him.”
For the rest of the evening Dave and Dana enjoyed each other’s company over excellent wine and food, and reminisced about their old times together back at Stanford. Both tried to forget about the damning Vice President video for the rest of the night, as they each knew if it were to go public that their personal lives would change dramatically. It would surely stir up a political bee hive in Washington D.C., and most likely put their careers and lives at risk. Each left the restaurant that night with mixed emotions. Morally, Dana knew she had to make every attempt to expose the Vice President for what he was, an egomaniac monster and murderer. However, she knew in the process she’d put her career in jeopardy. Dave, on the other hand, feared the risk he was putting Dana in, and in some ways regretted having to do so. He knew that the administration would stop at nothing to protect its power base, and eliminating another political gadfly was just another day in the life of this corrupt group. But he also knew that Dana felt just as compelled as he was to expose this administration for what it was, and more importantly return the country back to its golden years.
Chapter 12 (March 2, 1:00pm Eastern Daylight Savings Time)
Dave was in deep thought as he cruised west at 38,000 feet and 400 knots back to Idaho in his Cessna Citation M2. He knew he was putting Dana’s job at risk by asking for her help in airing the video. Dimitris Barbas had a take-no-prisoners history when it came to anyone interfering with his progressive-liberal agenda. Many seasoned journalists at ABO had been summarily dismissed since Barbas took controlling interests in ABO five years earlier. In every case the dismissed journalist was quietly let go with no explanation from the network. However those in the news industry, who personally knew the journalists, whispered amongst themselves that the real reasons were due to their unwillingness to toe the line with Mr. Barbas’s political news programming agenda.
Though Dave suffered with some guilt asking Dana for help, he also knew that she felt just as strongly as he did about the corruption in the news media and press in recent years. Historically, the press acted as the fourth body of government in the country by providing another layer of checks and balances for the American people. With the news media and press now working hand in hand with the administration and elite billionaire political puppeteers, in part to protect their own futures, Dana knew her industry’s historical role was at risk of forever being diminished and helpful to the American public. Ultimately he knew Dana was acting on her own volition in bringing the information forward on the Vice President, but deep down he feared for her, and more than for just her job security. He also feared for her personal safety. The Barbass of the world had no compunction of being ruthless when necessary.
“54SUG, descend to 34,000 feet and maintain your current heading,” blurted Chicago air traffic control into Dave’s David-Clark headset.
“Roger that, 54SUG descending to 34,000 feet and maintaining current heading,” responded Dave as he hit the transmit switch.”
The air traffic control voice shook him from his thoughts and concerns about Dana and onto NSurv’s mission next weekend. Prior to leaving New York he had spoken to Ron about his meeting with Dr. Gillian on Saturday. As usual Dr. Gillian had come through for the company in a big way. From Ron’s description the nano-dust looked like a homerun product for a plethora of applications. However, it was next Saturday’s meeting that it would first be put to good use.
Next Saturday’s meeting with the Secretary of Commerce and business leaders in San Francisco could potentially start the avalanche that could politically destroy the administration and its allies. There were quiet whispers in the Department of Commerce and halls of Congress of a new tax that would be discussed at this meeting. A progressive tax that would change how the average American citizen moved. It had been suggested that this creative new tax had the potential to add huge revenues to the government coffers and for funding the administration’s national and international political agendas.
Though it was still unclear about the specifics of the new tax and the administration’s plans, it was obvious that there were going to be some big winners and losers associated with the law if enacted. Based upon the business leaders who were on the invitee list to the meeting that Dave had gotten an early peek at, it appeared obvious that Hollywood and some heavy industry transportation companies were going to be on the winner’s side.
Though Dan and Ron were totally capable of pulling off next week’s project on their own, Dave had already decided that he was going to personally lead the mission. Though he could have chosen to sit back and watch a live feed from NSurv’s headquarters, he wanted to be there in person to do some old fashion reconnaissance work, as well as witness NSurv’s new technology in action first hand. When he landed back in Idaho today he’d call for a meeting first thing tomorrow morning with Ron, Dan, and Dr. Gillian. This mission had to go off flawlessly.
Chapter 13 (March 2, 7:00pm Eastern Daylight Savings Time)
It was an early Sunday evening in Washington, D. C. The sun had long set, and the weather was cold and raw outside. The grounds around 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and the White House were barren, even though the cloudy skies had spit snow off and on all throughout the day. President Jesse Coleman sat behind his desk in the Oval Office. Across from him sat his Chief of Staff, Ken Hardy, and Secretary of Commerce Nancy Devins. They were discussing the Secretary of Commerce’s meeting agenda next week in San Francisco with the administration’s business leader allies.
“Next weekend’s meeting will truly be the first step in a new direction for our country and the world,” said President Coleman in a confident and authoritarian tone. “With the failure of the country to buy into the green automobile industry and reduce our country’s carbon emissions, we need this new plan to happen. I’m depending on you, Nancy, to successfully float our new plan to the executive business leaders you’re meeting with next weekend. Are you confident you’ve picked the right players to propose our new agenda to? The last thing I want is a publicity attack on the plan before it even gets legs.”
“Absolutely,” responded Secretary Devins. “We are meeting with fifty corporate business leaders, including folks from Hollywood and the public transportation industry that have supported our efforts for years. I am fully confident they will embrace our broad reaching new plans as they resonate with both their political and financial interests.”
“We’ve also had the FBI do extensive background checks on all the invitees,” chimed in the Chief of Staff. “They’re all clean with no history of playing both sides, or at any time jumping ship with your global energy policies. Like a shepherd and its flock, they’ll follow you anywhere Mr. President. ”
“You better be right Ken because this plan cannot fail. All of our butts are on the line with our largest and most necessary campaign contributors. They’ve already expressed their frustration with us numerous times on our failure to convince the American public to buy green cars, irregardless of the trillions of dollars we’ve spent subsidizing the industry with U.S. tax dollars.”
“Our new plans won’t fail Mr. President,” responded the Secretary of Commerce. “The new mileage tax plan is a progressive tax that our liberal supporters and allies will fully embrace. With the right political campaign and their financial help, we’ll successfully sell it to the American public in short order. By the time we get done, congress will
have no choice but to pass our “Transportation Movement Act”, as their constituents will be screaming for them to support it.”
“Excellent,” responded the President. “I look forward to hearing an initial report from you Madam Secretary as soon as you’re on your plane heading back to Washington.”
Chapter 14 (March 3, Monday 3:00pm Eastern Daylight Savings Time)
Dana sat in the waiting area of Jeff Kolosky’s office. She had received the video from Dave in the morning and watched it in total shock and disgust. Right after viewing the video she had called Jeff’s administrative assistant to see if she could meet with him later in the day to discuss an important new story. She had placed the DVD, and a copy of it, in a safety deposit box at a bank just down the street from ABO’s offices. The last thing she wanted to do was to turn over the DVD to Jeff before at least first judging his reaction to the story.
Jeff walked out of his twenty third story executive office into the waiting area of his administrative assistant and greeted Dana warmly with a firm handshake.
“So my assistant says you have a potentially significant news story that you wanted to run by me,” said Jeff, as he guided her into his office and shut the door.
Jeff directed Dana to sit down in a plush leather chair in front of his desk while he walked around to the back of the desk and took his seat. The view from his office was stunning. Dana could see all of Manhattan from the large plate glass window, including central park.
“Yes Jeff,” replied Dana. “Frankly it’s pretty shocking and disturbing as it involves the Vice President of the United States.”
