Interlude
Mudaba Adin Institute
“So what do you think, Raptor? Do you think the kids have what it takes, I really liked the way they reacted to the unplanned change in the test parameters,” the plump executive replied with a grin.
“Call me Mr. McCallister, and that unplanned change, was not within anyone’s control but this Chaos hacker, he had total control of the system, not even Tommy could break in, and the damn kid broke into the UN mainframe in about 4 minutes,” McCallister replied, taking a sip of brandy.
“Well does it really matter, big deal we are dealing with a more powerful elite hacker, not like we have not seen that before, Vanguard Secure Computing ring a bell?” the portly executive smiled as he gulped down a plate full of food.
“That isn’t the point, you want my honest opinion, then listen good. These kids, some of them are practically adults, but their powers make them very dangerous sometimes to themselves, but more often to those around them. They need more time to learn restraint and teamwork, it took years for Justice Elite to really click, this is not a game. This is real life, and they are not ready for some of the harsh realities that they are currently sheltered from,” McCallister replied back coolly.
“Well you were brought on board for your expertise, and experience, but the boys back at the UN are looking for some positive PR, you have no idea just how bad these strikes against baselines is making elites look across the world. Pantheon is raising the stakes, the Congo Protectorate is about to explode into open warfare, and in the background more and more baselines are clamoring for registration,” he replied with a sickening grin.
“What side of the fence do you stand on?” McCallister replied.
“Whatever side is going to keep our profits from declining. I really don’t give a damn one way or another, what happens, I am a baseline, it does not affect me. Personally, I know how dangerous elites can be, and sometimes knowing just where they are, may be the first line of defense, in case they choose to use their powers for less then altruistic goals,” Mr. Tibbs replied leaning back in his chair.
McCallister scowled, the sight of Mr. Tibbs sickened him, “You’re a sick man, Jeffrey, very sick. You are a sick small-minded little man, your thinking just what they want you to think.”
Jeffrey paused leaning forward curious, his brow raising, “And what is that?”
“Did you ever stop to think that perhaps Pantheon wants the registration, can you think of a better way to get people to soldier their cause. Sure they may have inadvertently caused it, but elites will be looking for scapegoat, when they are forced to out themselves and register. There will be resentment, and there waiting with open arms, will be the agents of Pantheon. You think the world is in a firestorm now, the last thing you want to see is a full-scale war involving elites en masse. I have been doing statistical studies for a few years on elite effectiveness in combat situations.”
“I know just how effective they can be,” Jeffrey replied.
“Really then you know that Justice Elite by its lonesome could easily destroy the whole of Washington DC in about thirty minute’s time. These kids at this Institute could easily seize control of this countryl, and effectively knock out command control in a matter of hours if not faster depending their teamwork. Best case scenario if such an event was to come to pass, is that humanity is blasted back to the Stone Age, worst case scenario, there is nothing left,” McCallister finished taking another sip of his brandy calmly.
Jeffrey blinked for a moment, and then laughed uneasily, “I knew that.”
“Course you did,” McCallister stood, “If you want to press onward, I have a list of names prepared, but I am asking for three months of lead time, at least, I would ask for six, but I have a feeling that three is about all your PR execs can handle. We run things my way, and even after the team is formed, I stay on as a consultant.”
“Agreed,” Jeffrey replied.
“Then I will be going, we are done here. Oh,” he paused at the door, “lets never cross paths again Jeffrey, I don’t like associating with crap,” and he left.
