Of Minds and Masters

by Paul Ormond

  “Ladies and Gentleman, today is a special day. I’m sure all of you are aware of the recent tech developments from MindHIve. I watched the presentation yesterday. This inReal stuff they have developed is quite incredible. My newsfeed has just informed me that the CEO of MindHIve will be making a special announcement this morning regarding their tech convention next month. It starts in a couple minutes. Let’s watch it together and then, after the announcement, we’ll discuss MindHIve’s new technology and its implications on society,” Ms. Pitchford said while all of the students livened up. Everybody was excited about the inReal technology that MindHIve had announced yesterday. Anything to do with the latest developments would get the students’ attention.

  Ms. Pitchford picked up a remote control from her desk and turned on the large TV embedded into the front wall of the class. The TV was set to the 24 hour news channel, New News Now, or NNN as it was known by everybody. The familiar face of Cassandra Lang greeted the class from behind the news desk. She was in the middle of announcing the upcoming press conference.

  “We’re just moments away from the next big announcement from MindHIve CEO Robert Chapman. It will be hard for him to top yesterday’s news, but Mr. Chapman never fails to keep everybody excited. Let’s find out what MindHIve is up to now. We’re joined live via satellite by Trisha Yamaki who is at MindHIve’s headquarters in Los Altos, California for the big announcement.”

  The camera switched to a live feed at the MindHIve headquarters. Trisha Yamaki stood before a throng of reporters. An empty podium emblazoned with the MindHIve logo sat loaded with microphones. A large screen behind the podium flashed MindHIve’s logo as well.

  “This is Trisha Yamaki, and I am reporting live from MindHIve’s corporate HeadQuarters here in Los Altos. I’ve just been told that MindHIve CEO Robert Chapman will be taking the stage in just a moment,” she said.

  “What is the mood like over there now?” Jessica Lang asked.

  “It’s fever pitch at the moment. The whole world is thronging for inReal, so anything Robert Chapman says or does is going to get a lot of attention. Uh, it looks like Mr. Chapman is taking the stage now. Let’s all see what he has to say,” the reporter said while stepping away from the camera. Robert Chapman could be seen walking in from the right side of the stage. The camera zoomed into the podium while Robert readied himself to speak.

  “Greetings again to you all. I know that it was only yesterday that we announced our latest technological development, but I am very pleased to bring you the latest update regarding MindHIve’s technology Convention. As you know, we usually host the event at these very headquarters, but this year we are going to be doing something a little different - actually a lot different. Along with the unveiling of our new technology, for the first time ever, MindHIve’s tech convention will take place at a remote location. I’ll reveal the location in just a moment but let me tell you why we chose to set our event outside of our headquarters,” Robert paused before carrying on.

  “We chose to set our event at a remote location for a few reasons. First, we need to test the capabilities of our technology outside of our control grid here at MindHIve headquarters. We also need to be able to contain that location, so we chose a small remote town to host the event. This way we will be able to put our devices in the field and see how they interact with the community at large without too much disruption. This will be the perfect testing ground for such radical new equipment. We will be able to effectively track and monitor all activity and we will be able to control the area down to the nearest millimeter with our MindHIve tracking applications. It is a very unique opportunity and the lucky participants in the tech convention will all be awarded with their very own inReal devices that they can keep after the event is over,” Robert paused again to let the impact of what he just said sink in.

  “We could choose any community we want. There is no question of logistics because the entire operation will be carried out in the cloud so to speak, using MindHIve’s very own satellite monitoring system. But we wanted to choose a town that ultimately sums up the values of this country. A small town with a big heart. A place that any one of us could call home. We spent hours poring over the data to find the right community with the right facilities to host such an extraordinary event, and after long and careful consideration we have chosen the community of Kingsford, Colorado to host this event.” There was an audible gasp in the classroom as the students began to realize that their town had been chosen by MindHIve.

  “A lot of people will be wondering why we chose Kingsford over any other town. This wasn’t an easy decision. There were a lot of towns that fit the description, but we chose Kingsford over every other location because of its unique setting. It is remote enough that we can have direct control over the network without compromising its security. Interference, both intentional and unintentional, are risk factors that we need to consider. Kingsford is far enough from the main grid and it is small enough that we can easily contain the environment without causing too much havoc on the network. I know a lot of people are going to come out and say that we are trying to control people’s lives or bring in some kind of dystopian electronic monitoring system, but that is simply not the case. Our goal with this project is to ensure that the user experience enables the highest degree of mobility, coupled with our users’ freedom to integrate the inReal system into their daily lives. MindHIve has always been about the user experience and the inReal technology will provide the greatest user experience in human history. We intend to prove this at our test demo in Kingsford next month,” Roberts said with confidence and bravado.

  The students in Ms. Pitchford’s class were stunned. Their hometown was about to become the testing ground of one of the greatest new technologies ever invented. The classroom was absolutely abuzz. Everybody had their phones out and they were posting on MindHIve and sending messages through MindCHat while Robert Chapman spoke. Mitch had a very uneasy feeling about what was happening. He couldn’t help but wonder if Drak was somehow involved in this.

  “As everybody knows,” Robert said, resuming his speech after taking a sip of water. “The MindHIve tech convention is all about bringing new ideas into contact with our latest developments. We always strive to find the best and brightest innovators throughout the world and invite them to our convention. This year will be no different. We will be bringing the brightest new talents in the industry to this year’s convention and I am delighted to inform you of some of the new stars in the tech field that we have chosen to invite to this year’s convention,” Robert said.

  “This year’s convention will be centered on the use of the inReal technology and we have chosen our participants based upon the developments they have achieved and how they could possibly integrate the inReal technology into their research. While it is too difficult to list every single participant in the tech convention during this press briefing, I would like to mention a few notable people that will be attending this year’s event and the stellar work they are doing,” Robert said.

  “The tech world is constantly in flux and one of our greatest obstacles to overcome is what to do with all of the old technology and devices that we have produced. There is a young Lady named SoHee Moon from South Korea that has been doing groundbreaking research in the strange and wonderful world of micro-bacteria and its ability to devour certain particles. This young lady has been able to manipulate the enzymes present in a particular type of bacteria, enabling it to consume and repurpose any type of material it comes into contact with. This is a massive development! This type of research will greatly reduce the ecological footprint of modern technology. We are pleased to have Ms. Moon SoHee attend our convention,” Robert said amidst an enthusiastic applause.

  “I would also like to announce a very special guest at this year’s tech convention. Our users are our most valued resource. MindHIve wouldn’t exist without the normal everyday users that have made our platform a place for them to express their lives. Although there are coun
tless people using our MindHIve applications in extraordinary ways, there are a few people out there that show us just how much value users bring to the MindHIve community,” Robert said. Everyone in Mitch’s classroom looked up from their smart phones and watched intently as Robert Chapman carried on with his announcement.

  “So many user driven phenomena have changed the way we interact with each other. The meme, the emoji, and the gif, just to name a few, have altered the way we communicate in ways we are still comprehending. Some people are unwittingly made the subject of these modern age symbolisms. It is difficult to comprehend for most folks, but the highs and lows of going viral are a reality for a select few among us. Internet culture has a mind of its own and we can’t possibly predict what will be the next hot viral content. One viral video this year has become as ubiquitous as it is funny. All of us have laughed out loud at this incredible clip.” Robert gestured behind him as the clip for #epiccrotchshot suddenly appeared on the screen. Mitch all but melted into the floor. Everyone in the class erupted in laughter and dismay.

  “Yes, this clip is incredibly funny, but what most of you don’t know is the reason why this particular video has made its way into almost all of our news feeds. The young man who happens to be the star of this video is also the very same person who has allowed us to view it so many times. As difficulty as it is to imagine, this young man decided on his own that he would not take this humiliation lying down. In fact, it was his own online activity that has allowed this video to go viral,” Robert spoke with passion and the crowd at MindHIve’s headquarters were lapping it up. In Mitch’s classroom, all eyes were focused on him.

  “There is also one other factor that has influenced our decision to invite this young man to this year’s MindHIve convention. His home town is Kingsford! Ladies and Gentlemen, I am beyond excited to announce that we will be extending an invitation to Kingsford’s very own #epiccrotchshopt boy - Mitch Mythic,” Robert let the name hang. The classroom was in absolute shock and Mitch felt like he was either going to explode or wet his pants right there in front of everybody. Lucky for him, neither outcome came true, but he couldn’t ignore a deep sense of foreboding that overcame him. He sat in shock as every student in the class surrounded him and patted him on his shoulders and chanted “Ep-ic-Crotch-Shot,” repeatedly while Ms. Pitchford tried to calm everybody down.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Robert walked off the stage after taking several reporters’ questions. He had grinned and smiled as any good CEO should before the cameras. He had always been a media darling and normally he enjoyed the attention, but today he was in a state of agitation. He had easily been able to convince the board that his pivot to Kingsford was the right decision, even though it was a little rushed. But now the government was on his case about security protocols. Of course those idiots would start poking around. They only wanted to get their pockets lined anyway, he thought to himself as he made his way back to his office.

  “Have you made arrangements for my next call?” Robert asked Allan, who followed behind him and just a little to his right.

  “Yes sir, the President had cleared his schedule and will be available whenever you contact him. His aides have ensured me of this,” Allan said.

  “Very good, Allan,” Robert said. “For such a small-minded person, you sure are a good worker. Much like the President, it is useful idiots like you that allow the world to keep spinning,” Robert said.

  “Thank you, sir,” Allan replied.

  They rode the elevator in silence. Allan looked around uncomfortably while Robert stared into the mirrored elevator doors. He glared hard at his reflection, preparing himself for his upcoming call. President Fernandez was known as a hard-nose but Robert was one of the men responsible for putting him into that office. Robert was about to go and remind the president of his obligations and of the oath he had sworn. The elevator doors slid open as they arrived at the top level of MindHIve headquarters. Melanie jumped out of her chair as the doors opened and stood up while smoothing out her skirt.

  “Everything has been prepared for your call, sir. The President is standing by,” she said as Robert strode down the hall.

  “Excellent. Once again, I am not to be disturbed during this call. If you value your life, do not open this door,” Robert said. “Allan, open the door.”

  “But sir, you just said to not open the door,” Allan said.

  “After I’m inside, you thick-headed runt. Use your head, Allan. You’re already on thin ice with me. You better get your act together or I’ll send you back to the sorting room where I found you” Robert snapped at his assistant.

  Allan gulped again and hit the button on the wall. The doors swung open to reveal a drastically altered office. Gone were the bookshelves and the oak and gold furniture. Instead the entire office was a solid concrete enclosure. There were several large steel pillars arranged into two distinct columns leading up to a solid steel desk. Behind the desk was the same Estonian goat skin chair that Robert loved so much. It was all that remained of his elegant office setting. He had ordered his construction crew to install this new spartan set up for training purposes. He just didn’t bother to explain what he was training for.

  “Please keep up all of your hard work, my minions,” Robert said. He stood there with his hands on his hips and looked back at his underlings menacingly. “Allan, close the door already.”

  Allan jumped up again and hit the button. The large metallic doors swung shut. Robert was left in a deep silence. As soon as the doors shut, he crossed his arms over his chest and activated his weapons system. Immediately, he was shrouded in an opaque orange glow. He dropped his arms to his side and made his hands into fists. He was instantly levitated into the air and he pushed forward with his right hand. He began to glide about the room. He easily maneuvered around the pillars and he came to a resting position in the center of his office. He put his left hand out in front of him, with the palm facing up, and gestured with his fingers. Upon doing so, several holographic soldiers appeared in the room. Robert made two fists at his side and he elevated himself again. The holographic soldiers took defensive positions behind the pillars. Robert flicked his fist at one of the pillars and a beam of energy rocketed out of his hand. The holographic soldier fell over and disappeared. Another soldier fired at Robert. He made a shield gesture and a sphere appeared along his arm. He deflected the shot and fired back. The holograph disintegrated. Robert made short work of the other holographs and slowly lowered himself to the ground. He crossed his arms again and dropped his hands to his side. The opaque glow vanished and he walked slowly towards his desk. “I think I’m getting the hang of this thing,” he said while he sat down. “Now, let’s sort out this idiot.”

  A red light flashed on the console that sat in the center of his desk. He reached out and pressed the button. A ringing sound could be heard in the room. The window behind Robert became opaque and a large circle was seen spinning in its center. The face of an older man appeared on the screen that was once a window. The face peered at Robert through large glasses.

  “Is that you, Robert? It’s really dark in that room,” the face said.

  “Of course it’s me, Mr. President,” Robert said while getting to his feet.

  “Ah, now I can see you. How are you, my friend?” The President asked.

  “Since you asked, I’m pretty pissed off. You told me you’d get those regulators of off my back and now I’m being told that I can’t access my own satellites because I don’t have the security clearance. It was this company that sold the government those satellites and it is this company that provides the network that supports their security protocols. You gave me your word that we wouldn’t have any problems executing this plan,” Robert said.

  “I understand the situation, but it’s not like I can just wave my hand and make everything right. I’m only the president. I can’t force congress to pass any legislation at the drop of a hat,” the President said.

  “Well, sign an executi
ve memo or some damned thing. If I don’t have my security clearance then I won’t be able to test the system. We have been working on this for years. The whole reason you are sitting in that chair is because we put you there. This is on you. You need to get it done or I’ll find somebody else who can,” Roberts yelled at the President.

  “I don’t think you understand what I’m up against. Congress doesn’t work that way,” the President said.

  “You think I don’t know how congress works? Half of those morons are on my payroll. They work for us. They do our bidding. I will not have this operation go off the rails because some do-gooder wants things to go by the rules. The rules don’t matter and they never have. There is no need to create any legislation or executive memos. Just tell whatever lackey you installed over at the communications bureau to lift the security clearance. By the time anybody finds out what happened, we’ll be in stage two already and nothing will matter anymore at that point,” Robert said.

  “I’ll see what I can do,” President Fernandez said.

  “You’ll see what you can do?” Robert said. “You’ll get it done and that’s that. Do not forget the oath that you swore and your obligation to our cause. We are in the final stages of a plan that has been generations in the making. I will not have all of this effort squandered by a technical snag. Do you hear me?”

  “Yes, I understand,” the President said.

  “You better if you know what’s good for you,” Roberts said. “Now go get it done. I don’t want to hear from you until my security clearances have been authorized. Goodbye, Mr. President,” Robert said and disconnected the call.

  “What a tool,” Robert muttered to himself. He stood up from the desk and walked to the center of the room. “And now I get to talk to another one,” he said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He placed it on the ground and quickly brought his hands out and made two fists. Raising his hands above his head, he once again summoned the giant orange sphere. After a few moments, the metallic head of Commander Holrathu appeared before Robert.