Sam shook her head.
‘Around twenty years if you’re on fifteen thousand a year, which is what your average factory worker earns. To put things into perspective, if you worked from the age of twenty to sixty five you wouldn’t even earn two weeks wages of what football players are paid. And don’t get me started on other sports. Boxing, tennis, golf and Formula One. All these sports personalities should have a reality check.’ Teller paused. ‘I don’t blame James for targeting the stupidly wealthy. Our sporting institutes are nothing more than a money laundering operation for wealthy crooks. How many stories have there been over the years about match fixing and bribery in the sporting industry. And what to the police do, look into it then just walk away.’
‘It’s more complicated than that.’ Sam said.
‘When was the last time you pounded the streets of London.’
Sam started to feel frustrated. ‘Can we get back to the matter in hand. What are you doing to stop Dystopia?’
‘Everything we can at the moment.’ Teller replied. ‘I know I can track James down eventually. I have spent my entire life around computers. I build them from scratch.’
‘We’re hoping Dystopia won’t spot what we’re doing. We are on a knife’s edge at the moment. Because they have shut down GCHQ and the cybercrimes division we are having to watch what we are doing. This operation is just as vulnerable.’ Nicholls said.
‘If they have managed to take control of GCHQ, how are you able to function?’
‘We are using a satellite uplink to access the net. If you look around you won’t see any telephone lines in here.’
‘You don’t own a satellite.’ Sam pointed out.
‘No we don’t but we are able to hack a communications satellite.’
‘Jesus Christ I don’t believe I am hearing this. You realise you are digging yourselves into a hole here. You are putting these people in jeopardy.’ Sam said gesturing to all the people in the room.
‘We’re the only ones fighting at the moment.’ Teller pointed at the screen. ‘Do you know how many hackers attack the United Kingdom every day? Thousands that’s how many. China, North Korea, Russia, America are all trying to shut down one system or another. GCHQ, your precious cybercrimes division and your security services are constantly running around in circles. The North Koreans waltzed right in last year and crippled the NHS. Dystopia tops them all, they can do anything they want.’
A young woman walked up and handed Teller a tablet. ‘I just got this off our mutual friend in Russia, he’s confirmed it. Dystopia are using the Oppenheimer virus.’
‘Shit!’ Teller seethed.
‘What is that?’ Sam asked following Teller to another large flat screen TV.
‘It’s a virus the NSA developed just after 9/11. Thought to be a myth in hacker circles. There were whispers that Edward Snowden had managed to get hold of it just before he fled the US. I never really believed in it.’ Teller stared at the tablet. ‘Before now.’
‘What can it do?’
‘Anything it wants. The American started to get paranoid that they were going to be attacked again. A think tank theorised that the next major attack would come from cyberspace. So the boys at the NSA started to work on a counter offensive. That’s when they came up with the Oppenheimer Virus. Rumour is that they tried it a couple of times then locked it away.’
‘Locked it away?’
‘Because they deemed it too dangerous to just leave hanging around. It is rumoured that the NSA have a secret building they call the Black Vault. It houses the most classified secrets the US has. All their dirty little secrets throughout history. Snowden managed to gain access to the top level and get information regarding Prism, the NSAs mass surveillance software and the Oppenheimer Virus. But the black vault has many levels. Secrets the US does not want getting out. From the founding fathers to who really shot Kennedy.’
Sam smiled.
‘I didn’t think you’d believe me, many people don’t.’
‘Ok, just say that I believe you. What is the darkest secret America has?’
Teller shrugged. ‘Who knows? Many conspiracy theorists believe that the black vault contains a complete account of what crashed at Roswell in 1947.’
‘Come on, aliens.’ Sam continued to smile.
‘Mass media has been ridiculing people who claim to have witnessed the events for decades. And now you have social media to finish the job. There are two ways to keep a secret. Either you don’t tell a soul. Or you bury it under seventy years of rumour and conjecture. And now social media is adding to the weight. Besides most of the Black Vault’s secrets can’t be accessed remotely. If you wanted to access the very bottom of the vault, you would have to sit down in front of the computer to gain access to its secrets. The Americans learnt that to be able to keep a secret it would have to be stored on a machine that has no network card and no access to the internet. It is rumoured that only twelve people have access to the bottom level.’
‘This Oppenheimer virus you mentioned, do you think it was used to hack all those accounts?’
Teller nodded. ‘I’m sure of it. The reason they locked this virus away is because the NSA has suspected that it had become sentient.’
‘Sentient?’
‘It had the ability to think and learn. In other words it was a computer virus that had become self-aware.’
‘Are you talking about artificial intelligence?’
‘Yes, an AI virus.’ Teller said. ‘The NSA shit themselves when they realised what they had created. They were scared it would go all out Terminator and destroy everything. You mentioned Wargames just now. Think of the super computer in that.’
‘Joshua.’
Yes, only this virus wouldn’t want to play a nice game of chess, it would want to wipe out humanity.’
‘Then why hasn’t it, if it’s now loose?’
‘That’s the burning question detective, one which I plan to answer. And we don’t have a lot of time. If James has managed to achieve the singularity then this country could be in for a rough ride.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘He has shut off the petrol pumps yesterday. It will only be a matter of time before he takes away another basic need like electricity.’
‘Plunging the country into darkness.’
‘Exactly.’
‘What can I do to help?’
‘Unless you are an expert in computers, nothing. I suggest you get some sleep. It’s likely to be a very long night. There’s a bunk house out back. It has no telephones and the perimeter is under camera surveillance. If you really want to help, don’t try to run.’
Chapter 45
Day 3
BBC News 6:30am
Wednesday 17th October – 2018
‘Good morning you’re watching the BBC live. Last night the Prime Minister gave what many have described as her death knell speech. At ten thirty last night Tessa Mayflower delivered a damning speech, stating the final round of Brexit talks had stalled. She also said that she had dismissed Edwin Fuller her deputy Prime Minister due to differences of opinions. Mrs Mayflower seemed defiant vowing to fight on and to stand behind the British People. Speaking to a shocked press core last night the Prime Minister seemed to make a plea to Dystopia to stop what they are doing. In her speech. She said that Dystopia claimed to represent the poorest of our nation and through their action they have made themselves an enemy of the people. Mrs Mayflower also stated that the President of the European Commission Jean Claude Bisset halted the final round of Brexit talks because of Dystopia’s actions. Many are describing her actions as political suicide. Just after the Prime Minister spoke to the press last night. George Hardy leader of the Labour Party said that the government was now in freefall and called on the Prime Minister to set a date for a snap election. Let’s go live to our correspondent Andrew March. Andrew good morning to you, what is happening right now in Downing Street?’
‘Well Jenny, many people will be familiar with the
term the calm before the storm. This is more like the storm before the storm. There have been all kinds of comings and goings here in Downing Street this morning. I have already seen the Chancellor James Prosser enter number ten. Along with Alex Johnson the Foreign Secretary. Stephen Burns the Home Secretary arrived arrived a few minutes ago. Many political analysts will know these three cabinet ministers as the Prime Minister’s closest allies. They have supported the Mrs Mayflower through what can often be described as a turbulent year. Many analysts have nicknamed them the political musketeers. We are still waiting on more members of the cabinet to arrive. These include Claire Richardson, Secretary for Digital media and culture. Paul Harper Defence Secretary and also Adrian Taylor the Transport Secretary. The key issue here are the cabinet members that will not be attending the meeting this morning. Most notably Edwin Fuller the former deputy Prime Minister. He issued a brief statement last night saying that he would fight on for the people of Northern Ireland. Other cabinet members who will not be attending this briefing this morning are Penny Ashcroft the secretary of state for international development. Simon Caster the Secretary of State for international trade and Adrian Moorland The secretary for Justice. And of course Edwin Fuller. These key cabinet members were appointed last year as part of a coalition government with the Republican Unionist Party. Mr Fuller was appointed Deputy Prime Minister under a shroud of political turmoil. Many will remember the leaked documents last year in the Guardian newspaper connecting Mr Fuller with several political wings of known terror groups in Ireland.’
‘What is likely to be discussed behind that door this morning?’
‘There will be many topics on the agenda this morning. Most notably a way forward for what many are describing as a broken cabinet. Mrs Mayflower will be under pressure to resolve this matter as soon as possible. We already know that the political vultures are circling. Labour Party leader George Hardy last night vowed to put pressure on the Prime Minister to hold a snap election. Late last night Ross Smith leader of the Lib Dems described the government as a political car crash. There is growing rumour that the Prime Minister will be postponing question time in Parliament later on today to resolve this crisis. There are those of us within media circles this morning asking just how long Mrs Mayflower can hold on to power.’
‘Andrew March thank you.’
Downing Street – London – 7:00am
Mayflower paused for thought as she stood at the door to the cabinet room. The previous night’s events in Brussels played over in her mind. She hoped that Parsons would be in touch very soon regarding information on the mysterious Albert Spearman.
Mayflower eventually opened the door. ‘Good morning everyone. Thank you for coming.’
Her greeting was met with a wall of silence.
She sat down next to Stephen Burns.
‘I suggest we jump right in and discuss the appointments of new cabinet ministers.’
‘Jump right in.’ Claire Richardson commented. ‘I think Prime Minister we should be discussing the current crisis regarding Brexit talks.’
‘I thought I had made my point clear last night during my press conference.’
‘What you made clear Prime Minister is that this is a complete disaster. You need to call the European Union. You need to tell them that we need to continue negotiations.’ Stephen Burns said.
‘You weren’t there last night Stephen.’ Alan Johnson waded in. ‘Bisset refused to talk to us. He said that as long as Dystopia are loose there will be no negotiations.’
‘Then you need to at least reinstate Edwin Fuller.’ Paul Harper suggested. ‘This will at least restore the credibility of this government or what’s left of it.’
‘I will not go back, I can only go forward.’
‘Going forward will only lose you the next Election.’ Burns said. ‘Have you seen the news this morning? Half the bloody country is telling you to step down. George Hardy has a ten point lead in the opinion polls. Jesus, even the Lib Dems are catching up fast.’
‘Edwin Fuller forced me into that position last night. You all saw his interview with Sky News. The man has been a constant thorn in my side.’
‘Prime Minister, you of all people know that you cannot run a government without the support of the Republican Unionist Party. You have no other choice but to announce another election.’ Richardson said. ‘It’s the only way forward. If you call another election then we can at least rally the people to support you.’
Mayflower stared at the boat shaped table that dominated the cabinet room. She glanced at the empty chairs which were usually occupied. ‘You’re right.’ She nodded. ‘But we cannot call another election just yet. Where are we regarding getting the petrol pumps going?’
‘Nowhere I’m afraid ma’am.’ Taylor answered. ‘We have had a team of experts trying to undo what they have done. But no luck so far.’
‘I want a three minute silence for those who died on Monday. To be held tomorrow at eleven o’clock.’
‘I will see to it immediately Prime Minister.’ Burns offered.
Mayflower leant back in her chair. ‘I know none of you were expecting this. I certainly wasn’t. You have to understand that what I did last night was necessary. Our enemies have surrounded us and I’m not just talking about Dystopia.’ She looked at Johnson. ‘Last night’s meeting between me, Alex and Bisset was not what I wanted.’
‘In what way.’ Richardson asked.
‘We encountered a man called Albert Spearman.’
‘And who is he?’ Prosser asked.
‘That’s the point we don’t know. He suddenly appeared on the political stage. I believe he is the reason that the talks have stalled.’
‘They want you to call another referendum.’ Richardson speculated.
‘Yes.’
‘Why?’
‘My guess is to decimate the voting system in this country. Think about it, if we hold another referendum the outcome would be to stay in Europe. Those who voted to leave will never vote again. The only people who will vote will be those who support the ruling party.’
‘It sounds as if Europe is trying to tighten its grip around our necks.’ Harper suggested.
‘That’s exactly what it looks like.’
‘So why did you sack Edwin?’
‘I had no choice. He was part of this.’
‘How?’
‘Fuller wanted another referendum.’
Silence enveloped the room.
‘Edwin told me last night that no one expected to vote to leave. Europe assumed that the people of this country would want to stay.’ Mayflower paused. ‘If the truth be known everyone sat in this room wanted to stay. However, after last night’s events I’m glad the vote was to leave. I am expecting the European Union to retaliate later on today.’
‘This will overshadow the events of the last few days.’ Harper said. ‘In the meantime Dystopia still have control of the petrol pumps and they have shut down GCHQ. This government appears to be on its knees at the moment.’
‘Robert Parsons is looking into who this Albert Spearman is. I am hoping to hear back from him later today.’
‘What exactly are you hoping to gain from this?’
Mayflower pursed her lips. ‘We have all been thrown in at the deep end with this task. I will not let this country sink. The poor deserve better than that. It’s only now I realise that perhaps leaving may not be a bad idea.’
‘Prime Minister if I may.’ Richardson interrupted. ‘We all know that the vote to leave is the first step in this country’s downfall.’
Mayflower glared across the table. ‘You don’t seem to have much faith in the British people.’
‘It’s not about faith ma’am. It’s about what we have lost, particularly over the last forty years. Entire industries decimated through globalisation. Manufacturing moved out to the Far East, or Europe. There is very little industry left in the UK. Not to mention other jobs that are under threat from AI. Driverless cars will soon be introduce
d into our towns and cities. This alone will put tens of thousands of people out of work. We have a plan to roll out the first driverless lorries in two years. Whether we like it or not the future is being set in stone.’
Mayflower mulled over Richardson’s words. ‘I don’t care how long it takes we have to come up with a long term plan. I want everything considered, from upping production within the UK to renewable energy incentives. I want someone looking over those files that Dystopia released to the press yesterday.’ Mayflower looked across the table at Richardson. ‘The future is yet to be set in stone. Not if I have anything to do with it.’
Chapter 46
Afghanistan 20th September 2007 – 10:14pm
‘What the fuck do you think you are playing at?’ Sergeant Tim Pearson shouted. ‘Do you have any idea what you’ve done?’
‘What I have done.’ Sam argued back. ‘What about what these men are doing to those poor women in that shed out there?’
‘This is none of your concern Corporal. We must maintain our neutrality in this country.’
‘Bullshit. You talk about neutrality. What about what our commanding officers are doing.’
‘We are trying to maintain a stable government in this country. Our job is to flush out the bastards that have killed so many of our men.’
Sam took a step back. ‘No sir, we are here to bribe tribal leaders so that they won’t destroy vital pipelines coming down from the Caspian sea. I have seen that satchel you have had with you at all times. What’s the currency out in these parts. Gold, diamonds?’
‘Sam, we cannot get involved. These people are not like us. Their culture is different.’
‘And what about those women in that tin shack out there. What will become of them?’
‘For fuck sake Corporal it’s none of our business, now let it go.’
‘I can’t stand here and let those women be sold like a joint of meat at bloody Tesco. They deserve better than that.’
Dystopia Page 25
