‘What is it?’ Mayflower dared ask.
Dystopia has control of GCHQ.’
‘But surely it’s not possible for them to do something like this.’
‘I just got off the phone to GCHQ’s head. Dystopia have somehow taken control of every computer in the building.’
‘What kind of damage are we looking at?’
Parsons shook his head slowly. ‘I couldn’t even begin to guess Prime Minister. Worst case scenario, they could acquire every scrap of information GCHQ has and just hand it over to any foreign power they choose. Best scenario, they could do nothing and keep hold of GCHQ until we give in to their demands.’
Mayflower looked at Baldwin. ‘I want you to go back to the American embassy and get in touch with the NSA. They could be our last hope in stopping Dystopia.’
Baldwin stood and left the room.
‘In the meantime I have to prepare for the final round of Brexit talks. I don’t care who Dystopia think they are. Business must carry on as normal.’
Fuller stood outside taking a long drag from a cigarette. He took out his phone and punched in a number. ‘John can you organise a press interview this evening, around seven o’clock. The first available network if possible.’
A short silence followed.
‘Thanks I’ll be there.’
Chapter 31
Lord Admiral Inn – North London – 11:36am
Alan sat down with a glass of coke.
‘I thought you’d never get here.’ Railson said.
‘It’s getting impossible to get across London. Have you seen the queues outside petrol stations. People aren’t listening. They’re still trying to get petrol and diesel despite all the forecourts being shut.’
‘There’ll be total anarchy by this evening, mark my words.’ Railson warned glancing out of the window.
Another man approached with two glasses setting one down in front of Railson.
‘This is Malcolm Cook; he’s a researcher with Westminster College of Science and History. We’ve been discussing what I found yesterday.’
Alan produced his notebook and pen. ‘Ok, let’s get started.’
‘The chip Stuart found yesterday is not known in scientific circles.’ Cook began.
Alan glanced at Railson. ‘You mentioned something about military applications last night.’
Railson nodded.
‘So this could be something classified.’
‘Yes, this is definitely black bag stuff. I have been digging around and found a few interesting things.’
‘Go on.’ Alan coaxed.
‘There is an American defence agency called DARPA.’
‘Which stands for what?’
‘Defence Advanced Research agency.’ Cook revealed. ‘These guys have been around since 1958. They are the leading research agency into just about anything that can be weaponised. They give out grants to fund research into all manner of things. Over the last sixty years they have had some of the world’s leading scientists and research agencies working under their umbrella. After asking around I discovered DARPA has started funding research into chips that can be implanted into a person’s brain allowing them to have access to information wirelessly.’
Alan looked at Railson. ‘Which is what you said last night.’
‘DARPA handed out sixty five million dollars last year to fund research into ways to link the human brain to a computer. The nanochip that Stuart found in the brainstem of the London attackers could be a result of this. There are a few top-level pioneers also looking into this technology. Elon Musk has even invested money into research projects. He has a company called Neuralink which is conducting extensive research into linking the human brain to a computer.’
‘Hang on.’ Alan interrupted. ‘This DARPA agency couldn’t just come up with something that quickly.’
‘Which would mean they have been developing this technology for a lot longer. Usually when there’s a major scientific breakthrough it is revealed to the world. However, what many people don’t know is that research projects are set up decades before any major breakthrough is made.’
‘So what you’re saying is that a research project like this could have started twenty years ago before being made public.’
Cook nodded taking a swig from his beer glass. ‘Perhaps longer.’
‘What about the organic materials Stuart found, along with the skin texture?’
‘This is where it goes off the wall.’ Cook said. ‘I know a biologist from Cambridge. I e-mailed him the information Stuart supplied me with. According to my biologist contact, the organic sample is unknown.’
Alan smirked. ‘Unknown.’
‘Listen, all I’m doing here is giving you the facts.’ Cook stated. ‘My contact says the genetic sample is an unknown compound. But it does share one gene with another animal, the chameleon.’
‘You know how absurd this sounds.’ Alan said. ‘I cannot go back to my editor with this. He’d throw me out of the Examiner newsroom.’
‘I realise none of this makes sense.’ Cook said.
‘You can say that again.’ Alan stated looking at Railson. ‘I take it you believe all this.’
‘Do you remember what I told you last night about the brain being able to reject any foreign object?’
‘Yes.’
‘There was a scientist who came up with a theory in the sixties. He theorised that the brain consisted of three parts. The limbic system, the neocortex and the reptilian brain. I believe that’s why the brain didn’t reject the object I found at the base of the brainstem. It latched on to the reptilian part of the brain. It would go a long way in explaining the scaly skin texture on the back of the attackers heads.’
‘This sounds too farfetched to do a write up.’
‘How much do you know about science?’ Cook asked.
Alan shrugged. ‘Bits and bobs, I’ve written a lot of articles about cures for diseases like cancer and aids.’
‘There are many things that science cannot explain. Scientists encounter mysteries every day that are dismissed by the mainstream. Many scientists believe that the reptilian brain theory is rubbish. But there are those who have argued its authenticity. Even Carl Sagan wrote a book mentioning the reptilian brain theory and how it was part of the evolution of human intelligence.’
‘This story just keeps getting weirder by the minute.’
Railson reached into his inside pocket. ‘I have made a backup of all the information I found while examining those bodies. Show it your editor, see what he thinks.’
‘I know exactly what he’ll do.’ Alan replied taking the USB stick. ‘He’ll tell me to fuck off.’
‘I know it sounds a load of bollocks but look at it this way, when a major story happens, how much of the actual truth is handed out to the public?’
Alan mulled over the question. ‘It depends on the story. If it is political then I would say about twenty percent of it reaches the public. If it’s a story about a celebrity then the press have to watch their backs. You say the wrong thing and you could find yourself up to your neck in legal crap.’
‘So is this story any different?’
Alan inhaled. ‘Over one hundred people lost their lives yesterday. The government have already labelled this as a terror attack. I’m sure the conspiracy theorists are already having a field day.' Alan held up the stick. ‘This is stuff that would make the conspiracy theorists look sane.’
‘I know, but I wouldn’t make this up.’ Railson said.
‘Ok let’s go back to the beginning. If you say that this nanochip you found was something the military created then that would suggest that the government has something to do with the attacks yesterday.’
‘Yes and no.’ Cook said. ‘Each prime minister is only briefed on current events. Unless something from the past rears its ugly head the Prime Minister isn’t briefed on top secret projects from the past. Think about it. If each Prime Minister is told everything then it would be a shambles. I disc
overed there have been many research projects over the years which have looked into this kind of technology. One project stuck out more than anything, something called Trojan Horse.’
‘Trojan Horse?’ Alan repeated.
‘It was some kind of classified project set up in the seventies.’
‘Exactly who is your source on this?’
‘There’s a website called conspiracy theory update.’
‘Let me stop you there.’ Alan said abruptly. ‘I cannot write an article based on some looney tunes who sits behind their computer all day long making stuff up.’
‘You weren’t this closed minded last night when I showed you everything.’ Railson said.
‘That’s because you sounded more sober.’
‘All we are doing is presenting you with facts.’ Cook said.
‘Which happen to come from a conspiracy theorist.’
‘This woman is legitimate.’
‘That’s what every conspiracy theorist says. It’s not someone you met on plenty of fish is it.’ Alan said smiling.
‘She’s a conspiratologist.’
‘A what?’
‘She specializes in the study of conspiracy theories. She runs a website called conspiracy theory update. And she’s also a lecturer at Cambridge.’
‘I didn’t realise Cambridge run courses on bullshit.’
‘Alan.’ Railson stated. ‘Listen to what he has to say.’
Alan nodded taking a swig from his glass.
‘She’s not mainstream and doesn’t rant and rave about aliens and the Loch Ness Monster. She asks serious questions, questions no one ever asks. I was looking through the archive section of her site early this morning when I came across information relating to this Trojan Horse project. I found one photograph.’ Cook produced a smartphone.
Alan took the phone and stared at the picture.
‘This is a volunteer test subject after they were implanted with an experimental chip. As you can see this photo shows the back of the subject’s neck.’
Alan scrutinised the photograph for a few moments before looking at Railson. ‘They look like scales.’
‘Exactly the same kind of thing I found on the London attackers last night. This is proof that there is more here than meets the eye.’
‘This has to be a photoshop job.’
‘Photoshop wasn’t around when this photo was taken.’ Cook said.
‘So what is Trojan Horse?’
‘It’s a secret project which had something to do with the cold war. The site doesn’t really give a lot of information. However, it does mention one person who was one of the top scientists working on this Project. Someone called Angus Walker. I googled his name and discovered that he was a prominent biologist. He believed that is was possible to implant a human being with technology enhancing their mental capabilities.’
Alan continued to stare at the photograph. ‘You just mentioned the cold war which ended nearly thirty years ago. How old is this photo.’
‘According to the site Trojan Horse was conceived in 1973.’
‘Which would make it forty five years old.’ Alan remarked.
‘Yes.’
‘Let’s just rewind here. Some scientist was experimenting with microchip technology as far back as the seventies, implanting it into human test subjects. Do you have a name for this conspiracy theorist?’
‘Her name is Rebecca Glean. Her contact details are on that stick Stuart just gave you. She’s not a fan of using the telephone. If you want to see her you’ll have to go to Cambridge.’
‘This technology has been around for decades. You don’t have to believe me but the facts are there.’ Railson said.
‘I see that.’ Alan said. ‘I still can’t go to my editor and ask him to publish this story. It would make the Examiner look worse than The Sun or Star.’
‘Let me ask you this; is there anything that sticks out about yesterday’s attacks?’ Cook asked.
‘They seemed too random. There was no motive, the police said that it was a terror related incident but have not mentioned anything about jihadists or extremism.’
‘Exactly.’ Railson replied. ‘And then you have this Dystopia group who claimed responsibility. They have not only been able to empty bank accounts but they have shut down every petrol pump across the country. No hacker has been able to cause this much damage. There has to be some sort of military connection.’
Alan handed Cook’s phone back. ‘None of what you have is relevant. Unless you can come up with a living witness to this Trojan Horse then it’s all just speculation.’
‘Actually Angus Walker is still alive.’
‘And he’s probably very old and can’t remember a thing.’ Alan speculated.
‘It wouldn’t hurt to look him up.’
‘There’s your living witness.’ Railson said. ‘All you have to do now is show that to your editor and you could have the story of the century on your hands.’
‘I’m not sure a story about people being implanted with nanochips turning them into mindless zombies would class as the story of the century. Might make a good science fiction thriller.’
Railson glanced at his phone. ‘I have to get back, have a look on what’s on that drive. Let me know what your editor says about all this.’
‘I know exactly what he will say.’ Alan remarked.
Railson and Cook both stood and left.
The Blind Beggar – Whitechapel Road – London – 11:57am
Bishop looked around nervously.
Charlie Osborne walked through the door accompanied by two large men. He walked towards where Bishop was sat.
‘Jackie boy.’ He greeted.
Bishop slid a small envelope across the table. ‘A list of the hackers we have interviewed this morning. There are also other known hackers we were unable to bring in.’
Osborne took the envelope. ‘Cheers Jackie, this should help settle matters down.’
‘What do you plan to do with that list?’
Osborne stood. ‘That’s not your problem.’
Chapter 32
Voice Radio – London – 12:33pm
‘Good afternoon London, you’re listening to the Alex Leeder show live on air. Today we are discussing the spate of terror attacks that took place yesterday across our great city and the rest of the country. A group known as Dystopia has claimed responsibility. They have also raided the bank accounts of premier league football teams and have shut off petrol pumps across the UK. So who is Dystopia, what are they really about? As always you are free to phone, text, e-mail or use social media to air your views. Loads of messages coming in at the moment. One message says this Dystopia should be wiped off the face of the planet. They represent all that is wrong with this world. Someone has tweeted stating that Dystopia should be apprehended at all costs and brought to justice. We’re going to take a few calls now. Go ahead caller you are live on air.’
‘Hey Alex, I’d just like to say that Dystopia are nothing more than scum. They should be hunted down and left to rot in a jail cell for the rest of their lives. Those poor people who died yesterday were just going about their day to day business. None of them deserved to die.’
‘And what about the money paid into people’s bank accounts.’
‘Those who have had money paid into their accounts should give it back immediately. Or they should donate it back to charity. Its blood money, anyone who keeps it should be named and shamed.’
‘The money reportedly comes from the accounts of premier league teams and players. Do you think some football players earn too much?’
‘Let’s not gloss over the events of the past twenty four hours Alex. Dystopia murdered over a hundred people yesterday. They claim to represent the poor people of this country but they committed acts of murder. This group should be brought to justice. I think they should bring back hanging just for these sorts of crimes.’
‘Thanks for your call. We have someone else on the line now, go ahead caller.’
/> ‘Yeah Alex I agree with the bloke who just called. Dystopia do not stand for the poor of this country. They’re just trying to create chaos. Shutting down all the petrol pumps will only spark violence. By the end of tonight London will be in flames.’
‘Don’t you think that Londoners are better than this? They will show restraint.’
‘I’m not talking about ordinary Londoners Alex. I’m talking about the gangs that roam the streets at night. The far right groups that infect our society manipulating the young who are without hope. Dystopia has just thrown a match on a bonfire. London is bursting at the seams Alex it cannot take any more. It’s a tinder box waiting to explode. Dystopia is just the first domino in a line. They will tip the balance in this city. They will send people over the edge.’
‘Do you think the government can handle it if events spiral out of control?’
‘The government can’t handle anything Alex. Mayflower is weak. I think we should hold a snap election right now.’
‘In the midst of the final round of Brexit talks.’
‘The Brexit vote was a bad idea Alex. I know people want change but this country is heading for disaster.’
‘Thank you for your call sir. We have another caller on the line, you’re live on air caller.’
‘Alex I just want to say that I love your show.’
‘Thanks, what’s your take on Dystopia.’
‘Dystopia has been a long time coming. It was only a matter of time before an organisation like this appeared on the scene.’
‘Are you saying Dystopia are a force for good?’
‘I think Dystopia is a force for change Alex. One of your previous callers is right, London is bursting at the seams. People so wound up living on top of each other. And the government is doing nothing about it. They’re letting anyone into this country.’
‘So your real point is that you don’t agree with the government’s immigration policy.’
‘Don’t try and twist my words Alex.’
‘But you just said that the government will let anyone into this country.’
‘Immigration is just one of the problems faced by our country Alex. I have been watching Dystopia’s video. They make some very valid points about all aspects of life.’
Dystopia Page 16
