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 encryption.”
“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 host of crystal decanters, yet she takes a glass of water. “Thank you, John,” she says to the server.
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.”
Jenkins and cohorts leave 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 notepad. He earnestly calculates, occasionally jotting notes. 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 reacts 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.
In a quiet residential neighborhood, not far away, the Johannson family sat down to dinner. Mrs. Johannson set out a fine roast, while Mr. Johannson spoke 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 school,” says Lisa, “and we’re doing some really neat stuff. I don’t get why the Futuristas 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.
Phase Q: An interactive adventure.
