Phase Q/Reaching Out

“Our forces have established a perimeter of safety throughout populated areas, and a corridor to the capital,” says General Markov.

“Well done,” says the President.

“You’re doing very well,” says the President’s wife, with a cool smile.

The President turns to his chief technical advisor. “What’s the status of networks? Have you dismantled the tubeworks yet?”

Howard Jenkins, a neatly trimmed suit with a boyish face, blushes slightly. “Not yet, Mr. President. We’ve identified the key nodes, and expect to collapse the core within twelve hours. However we still have yet to break their valvagers.”

“The safety of our society is at stake, Jenkins,” says the President.

“I know, Sir, and I am as devout as anyone in securing our community.”

Mrs. President adjusts her suit, and walks to the bar. A marble counter holds a glittering jungle of crystal decanters, yet she accepts a glass of water. “Thank you, John,” she says to the server.

Advisor Jenkins confers briefly with his cohorts. One, a burly man, oversees network operations, while the other consults on political topics. “Would you like any other reports, Mr. and Mrs. President?” Jenkins asks.

“That’s all for now,” says Mrs. President. “Bring back hourly reports until the tubeworks are shut down. Twelve hours left.”

Jenkins and cohorts step out of the room.

Meanwhile, over in the strategy pit, internal security officers monitor the data displays, checking in frequently with their lieutenants.

A shorter, pudgier man, wearing a bowtie and trousers and a pressed shirt, reviews his old-fashioned notepad. He earnestly calculates, occasionally jotting down notes. It's Mr. Timberton, the President’s policy maven, busily crafts talking point.

“We can say that the deviants have been defeated, or that we are on the verge of defeating them, Travis,” says Mr. Timberton.

The President cringes slightly at being called by his first name in front of his senior advisory staff.

Mrs. President says, curtly: “Prepare both statements, and we’ll go with whichever one fits the facts at air time. We do want to present a clean victory, but we don’t want to announce prematurely.”

“Very well, then,” says Mr. Timberton. And, without wasting time, he sets to writing out the two speeches, by hand.

Meanwhile in a quiet residential neighborhood, not far away, the Johannson family sit down to dinner. Mrs. Johannson sets out a fine roast, while Mr. Johannson speaks with the kids.

“We’re very pleased with your recent work at school, Jesse and Lisa, and particularly with how your teachers have praised you.”

“I like learning,” says Lisa, “and we’re doing some really neat stuff this term. I don’t get why the Flowrisers are complaining.”

Jesse chimes in with a mix of anger and pride. “I want to beat them so bad.” Mr. Johannson beams approvingly.

As Mrs. Johannson sits down, some concern flashes across her face. Dad glares at her a bit, and she shrinks.

“We are very appreciative of this meal we have been given,” she says.

“We are,” says dad, and the kids have already dug in.

• Group Games
• Node

Phase Q: An interactive adventure.