HG had planned for just such an emergency should Anita be compromised. Henry went to the computer and launched the prepared computer program. First, it notified the HG collective members via untraceable encrypted emails that triggered alarms on their computers. Hopefully, thought Henry, most of them will be near their machines and hear the alarm noise and do their part. Those HG individuals across the globe that got the message sprang into action. A recorded message went out via robo-calling to every cell phone and landline registered in Utica. Another different message went out to the local newspapers, televisions, and radio stations. That same message also went out to ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN. Another message wormed its way into blogs and breaking news sites on the web. The final much shorter message went out over Twitter.
The non-Twitter message was short, simple, and very effective. “Help save Telltale Rose. She saved you and your children. Now she needs your help. Petty bureaucrats have decided to arrest telltale Rose for committing cybercrimes. Instead of considering her a hero, they consider her a criminal. Demand that Telltale Rose not be prosecuted for her selfless actions that saved countless lives by exposing corporate greed, something the President seemed unable to do. We should thank her, not jail her. Call or email your senator, your representative, the White House and demand that this injustice stop immediately and that Telltale Rose be exonerated. Let them know that they work for us, not the other way around.” The Twitter shorter message was abbreviated in tone, but asked for a flash mob to create a protective, but nonviolent, cordon around her house until the government capitulated. Please be there by 4:00 PM, this timing is urgent, as the FBI is on the way. The final line said “Dress warmly, bring water and snacks, and be prepared for the long haul.”
Henry drove into the underground condo garage. He saw Anita with Jolene in the car seat and quickly pulled over to her. His car plates had been removed and replaced with fake plates used by HG in such emergencies. They looked like New York plates, but the actual plate number would be traced back to a rental car in another state. He opened the door, leaped out, and placed Anita’s luggage in the trunk. Then he strapped the car seat in the backseat. “Get in quickly, Anita. Don’t worry; everything is going to be OK. You have my word.” Anita sat in the passenger seat with a look that indicated she doubted Henry’s words. Just then Henry’s heard the throw-away- cell phone beep with an encrypted text message. “Traffic cameras hacked and virus has taken them off line. You have 30 minutes as our best estimate.” He drove off rapidly.
Anita looked over at Henry and said. “Henry, you’re sweet to try and protect me, but you’re only an office IT guy. I don’t want you to get arrested and you will just for helping me. Please take me back, I’ll turn myself in.” Henry looked at her and made a decision to trust her. “Anita, if you do, they’ll take Jolene away from you and put her into child protective services. Also, I’m not just an IT guy. I am part of HG.” Anita’s eyes widened a little. “OK Henry, but how can HG protect me?” Henry then explained HG’s plan as he drove to his house. Anita was astounded when she heard it all. She looked at Henry. “Henry, that plan might work. If I get caught, I will keep your secret.”
Henry brought her and Jolene into the house. He led Anita to the spare bedroom while he carried Jolene. “Sorry, there is only a double bed in there, but hopefully both of you can squeeze in together. If everything goes right, you’ll only have to stay here for a few days. The bathroom is down the hall.” “Thanks, Henry, I’ll be fine here.” Anita leaned over and gave Henry a peck on the cheek. Henry smiled and said, “I’ll start dinner for us. What can Jolene eat?” “She will eat the same as the two of us; I’ll just cut it into small bits. What are we having?” “I’ll make some barbecued chicken, French fries and salad.” “Henry, after I wash up, I’ll handle the salad and French fries. Why don’t you concentrate on the barbecued chicken?”
Henry went into the kitchen and turned the small kitchen TV on to CNN. He pulled a chilled bottle of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc from the refrigerator and poured a glass for himself. He left a second empty glass next to the bottle. As Anita entered the kitchen, Henry pointed to the bottle. Anita shook her head yes. Henry poured a glass for her. He offered the glass to her and raised his. “May HG be successful at keeping you out of prison.” Anita smiled and toasted her glass with his and said, “I’ll drink to that.”
Just then the CNN talking head said, “Breaking news alert. Telltale Rose about to be arrested. There are indications that the White House, Congress and the FBI websites are being inundated with emails that this unjust outrage stop immediately. We understand that their switchboards are all showing busy signals, too. Here is one typical viewer email, “This action is seen as unjust by me, given that the RGen CEO, Donald Janes, and the CFO, Scot Scofield, are yet to be arrested. Their high power attorneys are stalling everything regarding the charges leveled against them in the corporate greed scandal that delayed the much needed Blue Flu vaccine and the DRACO cure. They even have the nerve to countersue the government for firing them and seizing the company. Many uncounted numbers of people died from this delay. Yet, here the government is arresting Telltale Rose, whose selfless actions saved countless more. Makes me wonder what is wrong with government and President Chung. If this charade continues, I won’t vote for her in the upcoming election.” “There you have it, folks. Our camera team will arrive shortly at Telltale Rose’s house and we’ll keep you updated.”
Soon the other news programs we’re saying similar things. Henry then showed Anita several blogs and cyber news sites on the computer. Outrage was the common thread. “Wow, Henry, this plan might just do it!” Henry smiled and said, “They haven’t seen anything yet. Wait until those crews and the FBI get to your house.” Jolene looked over at Anita and Henry as she sat on the two big books in her chair. “Mom, can we eat soon. I’m hungry.” “Yes Jolene, soon.” Eventually, dinner was ready and enjoyed.
FBI Agents Dennis Malley and Gerald Huang were approaching exit 31/I-790/Utica/RT-8/RT-1 in their government issue big, black SUV. Suddenly they were passed by two rapidly moving news vans, ABC and CNN. Both vans took the exit that they were heading for. Dennis turned to Gerald and said, “What’s the big hurry to get to Utica. Surely they wouldn’t be rushing there to cover Telltale Rose’s arrest.” Gerald replied, “Turn on the radio for news. Let’s see what’s going on in Utica. Maybe they have a terrorist incident.” They caught the CBS coverage of the impending arrest of Telltale Rose. “Shit,” said Dennis. “No one is supposed to even know about this. What the fuck is going on?” ”I don’t know Dennis, but judging from the tone, we’ll be as popular as bedbugs. Should we call for backup?” “Nah, the local police chief knows we are coming. I bet that bastard leaked the information.”
Some blocks away from Telltale Rose’s house, they noticed solid lines of parked cars along the streets. “Looks like people aren’t happy about what we’re going to do,” said Dennis.” “Actually, I don’t blame them, Dennis. I don’t feel right about arresting her. She saved lives, damn it.” “Yah, I know, but we have our orders.” It soon became apparent that no spaces were available near the house. “Dennis, look at that mob at the house and all those news trucks. It looks like a frigging circus.” ‘Yah, but look at all the cops. We have nothing to worry about. Let’s drive by and grab the first space we find.” In the rear view mirror, Gerald noted several people pointing at the car and news cameras starting to aim at their vehicle.
Meanwhile, President Chung was watching one more newscast about the impending arrest of Telltale Rose. She picked up the phone and said, “Send Jason Ingels in here.” A few minutes later, he strolled into the office. “Jason, where do we stand on the coverage about Telltale Rose? I’m beginning to feel boxed in, but damn it, I’m the President and no one tells me what to do.” In his mind Jason thought, yes, you are the President, but not one elected by the people. At the rate you’re going, you’ll only be a line of succession president. Smiling, he said, “Opinion is running o
verwhelmingly against the arrest. The White House and Congress internet sites have all crashed from the heavy traffic. Our switchboard is jammed. The blogs are all going against the arrest and blaming you. Over 95% are opposed to the arrest. If you don’t do something, you can be sure the opposition candidate will use this arrest against you once election season comes around. Frankly, you could lose the upcoming election over this issue alone. My advice is to call off the arrest and exonerate her of the charges. You have the authority under the Emergency Powers Act. I have already checked it out with the Attorney General.” President Chung seethed inside and glared at Jason. Still, she was a politician in the meanest sense of the word. She knew what she had to do. “That will be all, Jason.” As Jason left the office, President Chung picked up the phone and said, “Get me the FBI Director.” As Jason walked away, he couldn’t help but think that things would be righted finally.
Clark Montauk listened to President Chung. He could tell from her tone of voice that she was not pleased. “Yes, Madame President. I’ll get on it right away.” He placed a call to the Director of the New York Region. His final words were “get a hold of those field agents and do it now!” After hanging up, Clark Montauk actually felt pleased. He thought all along that the arrest was a travesty of justice, but one couldn’t buck the President.
As the FBI agents walked toward the house, they heard the flash-mob chant arise. “Leave Telltale Rose be. Why are the RGen CEO and CFO still free? Come the election, we’ll see.” The cameras rolled and took it all in. As President Chung watched the coverage, she knew that she had done the right thing, if she ever wanted to be elected for a complete term. The agents felt the hostility of the crowd. Even most of the police were glaring at them in an unfriendly way. Just then Gerald’s cell phone rang. “Yes, sir; we’ll do it right away.” He turned to Dennis and said, “We’re out of here. The boss has called off the arrest.” Both agents turned and left at a rapid pace. The crowd started to cheer. Several reporters and cameramen ran after the agents peppering them with questions. Finally, Agent Huang turned and said, “We are not authorized to say anything. There will be a Presidential address first thing tomorrow.” One reporter screamed loudly, “Has the FBI backed off?” Huang smiled and said, “There will be no arrest today.” Both agents leaped into their SUV and drove off rapidly. Henry and Anita watched the scene on the television. Henry turned to Anita and said, “Things are looking good. The HG plan was sound. I bet the President exonerates you tomorrow.” Anita turned and gave Henry a hug. She had tears in her eyes as she said, “Thank you, Henry.”
President Chung gave her address the next morning. As expected, she exonerated Telltale Rose. She even indicated that the RGen CEO and CFO case would be prosecuted more vigorously by the Justice Department. In an unexpected development, she announced that Telltale Rose would receive the Medal of Freedom as an individual who has made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” President Chung knew how to survive politically. She was mastering the ability rapidly.
PRESENT DAY. Paul smiled at this point in the video. He mumbled, “Way to go, Henry and Anita. I’m so glad that you are now a family and part of the Earth First World Government team now.” Paul never tired of saying this every time he showed the video. Henry with his IT skills and HG connections helped the Earth First Government in its early days. Their surveillance capabilities far exceeded even those of the United States in its NSA heyday. Plots and conflicts were ended before they blew out of control. Anita had helped create parts of the video being shown in class. She had a way with words and images that got the point across.
VIDEO: THE INCIDENT. The voice-over narrator cut in. There were many other instances of greed and lack of compassion for others. The United States wasn’t the lone wolf. Given human nature, we could point to examples across the globe. However, one more will suffice. This one took place in the People’s Republic of China.
Early on in China, shortages of Blue Flu vaccine and DRACO existed, as in most countries. Getting manufacturing up to speed takes a certain amount of time, as does producing enough vaccine doses for 1.5 billion people, the population of China in 2020 at the beginning of the incident. During this time of shortages, certain corrupt government officials saw an opportunity to make large sums of money. The worst of these schemes can be traced to the general placed in charge of Tibet by the Chinese military. General Shen Rong’s scheme was undoubtedly the worst of the lot. He planned to not only become extremely rich, but to also to carry the sinicization of Tibet to the extreme end, genocide.
His plan was simple. As vaccine doses arrived, he had loyal party workers set aside sufficient doses for the government officials, their families, military officers and their families, and higher ranking police. In short the vaccine was primarily for the highly placed or more important Han Chinese involved in the gradual conversion of Tibetan culture into a Han culture. The shipping cartons were saved and refilled with syringes filled only with water; these were designated for nasal misting of the army privates and Tibetans. The diverted vaccines would be sold on the black market for exorbitant prices. Even within these favored Han groups, there was a pecking order. The higher your rank or standing, the sooner you got your vaccine. The secret was tightly kept, either out of greed or fear of reprisals from Han lower on the social pole or viewed as holding less party loyalty.
But like all secrets, they can leak. General Shen Rong enjoyed his alcohol and sometimes developed loose lips. His military aide was Colonel Cao Ji, a young man who came from humble roots. At one dinner, where several military officers paid homage to General Rong, excessive alcohol was consumed. Because of the multitude of toasts to the General, he ended up drinking a considerable amount. Cao Ji showed up at the end of the dinner to see if the General had any further needs that evening and what was on the agenda for tomorrow. Given the Generals’ drunkenness, Ji ended up helping him to his room and bed. As he helped the general to his room, General Rong said. “You are a good man, even though you come from humble peasant stock. Because of that, you will get the vaccine way ahead of other, more highly placed officials.” Pleased, Ji said, “Thank you, General. That is most generous of you. I will strive to serve you even better.” Then the General mumbled, “Too bad for the Tibetans; they are not even on the list, ha.”
Ji was not so pleased upon hearing that mumbled comment. Still, he knew he had to play the game. “General, what an ingenious plan you have hatched. It takes care of those troublesome Tibetans for good.” Because of his response, the General decided that Ji was no threat, so worried no more about his loose tongue. What he did not know was that Ji had fallen in love with a local Tibetan woman. He was aghast that death was the likely outcome for her, her family, the village, and beyond. Ji realized that the outcome was ultimately genocide for the Tibetans. He knew he had to do something, but what. That sleepless night, Ji formulated his plan.
Ji waited until the General left the office and announced he would not be back for a few hours. Sitting at the General’s desk, Ji looked at the General’s computer and opened the document file. Nothing popped out of the list of documents. As Ji scrolled down the list, he found one named “Water for Tibet.” The phrasing struck Ji as odd. He opened it and started reading. Ji was astounded to have found an incriminating document so easily. The document detailed the replacement of vaccines with water for use with lower social level Han and the Tibetans. The stolen vaccine was being funneled onto the black market. There was also a priority list for vaccine dispensation. Conspicuously missing were army privates, as were the low level officers who commanded them. Ji now knew what he had to do. He printed the document and made some copies. He rummaged through the desk and found General Rong’s Top Secret stamp and stamped the documents.
Army doctor Liang Feng listened to General Rong. He did not like what he heard and what he was told to do. Still, he knew that his choice w
as to follow the orders or be shot. After the general left, Dr. Feng directed the privates unloading the vaccines from the army trucks at the warehouse. He had them stack the boxes neatly in the back. After the trucks pulled away, he removed several boxes which were designated for those on the General’s favored list. Next he started to open a box of syringes and filled them with water and repackaged them. Next he opened a box of vaccine dosages and placed them in a new box. Before he sealed the box, he took one dose and self-administered it. He thought, at least I won’t die from the virus. Now he refilled the vaccine box with the water containing syringes and resealed the box. Then he placed a small self-stick blue dot on the top. He repeated the procedure many times before the day was over.
While that was going on, Ji met with several of the lower rank officers that he trusted and who were left off the list. Ji took a chance talking to them about organizing a mutiny and seizing the vaccines and assuring fair distribution. Ji worried that one might tip the General off or once the privates knew, they might do the same. Working against this outcome was the fear that once alerting the General to the mutiny, they would simply disappear as they knew too much about the vaccine being destined for the black market. Ji didn’t have to worry. Fear of not being vaccinated won out over fear of the General. The beginning of the mutiny was laid.
A day later Ji received word that the entire garrison of privates was ready to mutiny, as were their immediate commanding officers. The plan was simple. Once Ji knew when the general was starting the vaccinations, he would text one word to the conspiring officers, “Warehouse.” That would be their signal to march on the warehouse, arrest the General and the other higher ranking officers in on the general’s plan. There was no doubt that they would all be at the warehouse to receive their vaccination.
The Manhattan Incident Page 24