The Generation at the End, page 6
“I may just take advantage of your generous offer, Reggie. Is your father at breakfast?” “I am on my way to then kitchen as we speak. You are welcome to join me , Ari. I’m not sure where my father is.”
“Thank you. You wouldn’t believe I could be hungry if you had seen all that I ate last night. After you my good man.”
“There you are, Ari. It is not 10 o’clock yet. Did you sleep well?”
“Indeed I did, Cyrus. What time did you make it to bed?”
“It was sometime after Reggie arrived; around midnight I suppose.”
“Are those fresh Florida oranges you are squeezing, Cyrus.?”
“They are. Would you like a glass of orange juice before breakfast, Ari?”
“As long as it is just orange juice, Cyrus. I had a little too much champagne last night.”
“How does bacon and poached eggs with homemade biscuits sound, Ari?”
“Almost too good to be true. Do you cook a lot, Cyrus?”
“Not a lot. My wife plays golf on Saturday mornings so I fill in. She is an excellent cook. Perhaps she’ll cook us breakfast tomorrow morning. Do you play golf, Ari?”
“I became interested in the game in my youth. When the object of the game was explained to me, I lost interest.”
“It is not a very logical game. On that I must agree. It is very entertaining once you have mastered a majority of the many aspects of the game. I have a tee time at a course nearby. It presents an opportunity to be totally isolated from the listening world. You could be my caddy if you like.”
“Just what does a caddy do if he doesn’t play?”
“Well, he helps in many ways; he points out obstacles, determines how far it is to the flag and even suggests which club to use. Oh, and one more thing… he carries the clubs.”
“Sounds like a jolly good time. What time do we leave?”
“Right after we do the breakfast dishes. Another biscuit, Ari?”
Chapter fourteen
9/29
“Is there an advantage to hitting the ball into those areas filled with sand, Cyrus?”
“Yes, there is, Ari. It significantly shortens the time I spend looking for my ball. Are you sure you’ve never played the game?”
“Quite certain, Cyrus. It is very pleasant strolling through this magnificent scenery and I can see how challenging the game might be. There is also a lot to be said for the physical fitness one might attain. How long have you been playing, Cyrus?”
“Not long enough by the looks of my score on the first two holes.”
Did you bring any notes, Ari? Perhaps we should be discussing plans as we walk.” “There are just a few items I need to be made aware of, Cyrus. And no, I did not bring any notes. It would, however, be advantageous to have a way to take some notes as we speak.”
“I’m certain I have addressed all of your concerns in the brief I have for you. You will have ample time to read it before we have to leave for the meeting at 3:00 o’clock. Have you flown in a helicopter, Ari?”
“As a matter of fact I have, Cyrus. It was a Coast Guard helicopter off the coast of Alaska. A passenger on a cruise ship I was on came down with a nasty case of food poisoning. The ship’s doctor became overwhelmed with other patients. This one particular fellow was very ill and needed more medical equipment than cruise ships normally carry. I accompanied him to Anchorage but the poor man expired before we could reach the hospital. A very miserable experience. I flew back to L.A. rather than continue the cruise.”
“That was an unfortunate experience, Ari. I assure you this flight will be very pleasant, even though it will only be twenty minutes. I would like to get your input concerning my geographic approach to dispersing the agent, Ari. It might save time if I just reveal my plan and have you critique it.”
“That would be alright with me, Cyrus, but I am not at all familiar with the logistics.” “All I want, Ari, is to make you aware of my logic in distributing the agent.”
“ Very well, Cyrus.”
“It may seem illogical at first so please wait until I have completely explained the plan. I’m starting on the west coast with LA and Portland. Next, New York , Philadelphia and DC. And finally, Phoenix, Houston and Chicago. That may seem like an abstract and perhaps ludicrous geographic approach to distributing the agent, Ari. Please hear my logic. Starting on the west coast will concentrate CDC’s attention and forces two thousand miles away from their headquarters. I believe it will take about twelve to fifteen days and between fifty and a hundred reported cases for CDC to launch a two prong investigation in Portland and LA. They will hesitate to declare an epidemic until more cases are reported. So far so good, Ari?”
“I am right behind you, Cyrus.””
One week later we will contaminate New York, DC and Philadelphia. With these added reported cases, CDC will be spread a little thin. Three more days go by and we hit Phoenix, Houston and Chicago. What do ya think, doctor?”
“I do have a concern, Cyrus. It would be logical to believe the Center will begin testing the water supplies in L.A. and Portland. They may very well suggest boiling all drinking water. It would be too late to prevent any infections on the west coast, but might become protocol in any other city they suspect contaminates in the water supply. The virus only needs to live for approximately forty eight hours in the host. By then it has compromised so many T cells and caused them to produce copies of itself, an immune system that is not hale and hearty cannot stop the inevitable. And the virus becomes virtually undetectable when exposed to any type of light after being in the host. Have I made my concern clear, Cyrus?”
“Perhaps I have misunderstood the nature of the virus. Didn’t I hear you describe the virus as undetectable?”
“That it is, Cyrus. The CDC will be able to recognize a virus in the water supply. But, it won’t be discernable in any blood sample taken from the host.””
“Then you have not made your concern clear, Ari.”
“It would be logical for the Center to advise the general public to boil all drinking water as soon as an epidemic has been declared. Don’t you agree, Cyrus?”
“I firmly agree, Ari. The two key words in your statement are, “declared epidemic.” By the time there have been enough fatalities for the CDC to declare an epidemic, we will have completed our mission.”
“Once again, your logic is impeccable, Cyrus.”
“You know, I think I’m starting to get this game, Cyrus. If you are agreeable, I would like to “take a swing at it”, so to speak.”
“I am certainly agreeable. However, if you hit the ball more than two hundred yards straight down the fairway, you’re paying for this round. Is that agreeable to you, Ari?”
“Perhaps another time then, Cyrus.”
“Shall we proceed on a more serious course, Ari?”
“Very well. I have a concern we have not touched on to this point. It has to do with the first two payments I shall receive in the near future. I have not devised a story to explain my sudden and new found riches, Cyrus. Have you considered that possible dilemma?”
“I must admit I have not. Do you have any immensely rich relatives, Ari?”
“My father left me nearly a hundred thousand dollars, but that’s not going to look like one billion. Do you suppose anyone will believe I just invested wisely?”
“I have a very good friend who would say that it is ”illogical”. Have you applied for a grant to build your research center, Ari?”
“In fact I looked into applying. The largest grants are in the range of fifteen to twenty million. I guess it is possible no one will ever ask where I received the funds to build the center.”
“Perhaps it is a bridge we should cross when we reach it, doctor”
“It seems your game is improving, Cyrus. That last drive was the best of the day. Do you suppose it could be because I am learning to be a good caddy?”
“Oh, I’m sure it is a contributing factor, Ari. However, I have a knack of doing quite well on the last hole. The game allows me to do just that so I’ll come back and play again. Not to take anything away from the fine job you did.”
“Do you think we could do this again in the near future, Cyrus?”
“Let’s make sure we do, Ari. We should be on our way. It’s nearly one o’clock. I have some paper work and you will need time to read the brief I wrote for you.”
Chapter fifteen
9/29
“Somewhat more elegant than a Coast Guard helicopter, Cyrus”
“You should see the president’s helicopter. It cost ten times as much as my house. Nothing but the best for our leader, you know.”
“Have you flown in it, Cyrus?”
“I was invited once. I’m saving it until I’m Secretary of State.”
“Very good, Cyrus. Aim high.”
“Two things came to mind while I was reading the brief, Cyrus. Suppose I’m called on to assist in attempting to diagnose this terrible virus? L.A. County General is not that far from Palo Alto. Wouldn’t it be strange if I just refused to help?”
“If they insisted, you should probably go, Ari. You just wouldn’t do anything to help or hinder the search.”
“The other concern is, how I will explain my absence while I am assisting with the contamination. I’ve been gone a lot lately.”
“I have in mind to hold a training session in the very near future; during which you could explain, in no uncertain terms, how to handle the virus to all of the teams at one time. After that, the teams will pretty much carry the ball. If that would be agreeable with you, we could probably get it done in one day. You would have to fly back to the East Coast one more time, however.”
“I am all for it, Cyrus. It would be much more effective and a lot less time consuming. Do you have a date yet?”
“It’s not written in stone. It will likely be in the next four or five days. I will call you the moment it is locked in, Ari”
“Well, here we are, my friend. Let’s go to my office for just a minute before the meeting starts. Hopefully, my colleague will be there. I would like you to meet him, Ari.”
“This is not the pentagon.”
“No, doctor, it isn’t. We are just outside Woodlawn, Maryland. Don’t feel bad, Ari. A lot of people think a lot of government agencies are in the pentagon. In truth, the pentagon is exclusively used for military agencies. Would you like to tour the pentagon or the capitol someday?”
“I toured the White House while I was in high school. Perhaps we could tour the pentagon in the future.”
“This is my office. Please have a seat or just stroll around if you like.”
“These are outstanding photos of your home and family, Cyrus. Did you take them?” “Actually, the man you will be meeting shortly took them. He is an avid photographer and my very closest friend. It took me several weeks to recruit him as my colleague. I trust him as much as I trust you, Ari; in other words, with my very life.”
“What a gracious compliment, Cyrus; thank you”
Ari heard the sound of someone entering the code to open the door. A man, who looked much older than Ari imagined he might be, entered the room.
“Calvin, how good of you to come. This is my friend Dr. Ari Soshyant. Ari, may I present Calvin Coolidge.”
”A pleasure to finally meet you, Dr. Soshyant.”
“The pleasure is mine, Mr. Coolidge. Please call me Ari.”
“Indeed. Please call me Calvin.”
“We don’t have time for tea, gentlemen. The meeting starts in ten minutes. If time permits, let us have our tea after the meeting.”
Both men voiced their approval as Cyrus started for the door.
“Come Ari, your debut awaits you. Everyone on the committee is anxious to meet you.”
Ari politely stepped aside to allow Calvin to leave first.
“I am not a member of the committee, Ari. I’ll see you back here afterward.”
The meeting room was sparsely decorated. There was a small photograph of the president on the south wall. In the southeast corner were two flags in separate stands; the U S flag and one Ari was not too sure of. The table was larger than any Ari had ever seen. All but one of the other seven members were present. Each member Ari was introduced to seem rather reserved, almost withdrawn. The last member arrived and the meeting was called to order.
Cyrus began; “this meeting can be as brief as we make it, gentlemen. If anyone has any concerns we have not addressed please voice them now.”
The room remained silent. Ari began wondering how many members of the committee were actually committed to the plan that was about to unfold. Perhaps the gravity of the situation was so disquieting it precluded discussion.
“The purpose of this meeting is to twofold. As you have already heard, the agent is now a reality. It only requires dispersing. In just a moment I am going to ask for your final vote to implement the program. If the vote carries unanimously, I will then call for a second vote to disburse the funds to Dr. Soshyant. A nay vote, of course, is anyone’s prerogative. A nay vote would, quite likely, postpone the program to a point of making it ineffective.” Cyrus paused to make his words more profound. “This first vote will be to disperse the agent into various water supplies in this great nation. All those in favor please raise your hand and repeat the word “aye”, clearly.”
The vote was unanimous in favor.
“Our agreement with Dr. Soshyant was to deposit two hundred million dollars into an account he would name upon the doctor agreeing to produce the agent. That portion of the agreement was predisposed with a gentlemen’s agreement. Another three hundred million would be deposited when the virus had been developed, prior to dispersing.”
Cyrus paused to allow time for any question to be asked. There were no questions. “Without further need for discussion I will initiate the necessary paperwork to transfer two hundred million dollars to an account Dr. Soshyant will name.”
“If everything goes according to our well designed plan, we will be meeting again in about three weeks to celebrate the success of this rubicon. Until that date I will keep each of you apprised, individually, of our progress. The light is definitely visible, gentlemen. Please accept my personal gratitude and the gratitude of this great nation. Dr. Soshyant will be available at the signing table for any conversation for the next thirty minutes. At this point I call for an adjournment. All in favor please signify.”
Ari felt the atmosphere was far more relaxed after the meeting. Perhaps the previous tension had been caused by a feeling that the project lacked a concerted effort. Now that the membership could rest assured that Dr. Soshyant was a contributing member of their somewhat nefarious organization the confidence level rose considerably. The conversations were pleasant and there was a certain amount of camaraderie.
Upon returning to Cyrus’s office, Ari continued his conversation with Calvin.
“Your name must invoke a myriad of questions, Calvin. Do you give patent answers or make them up on the spot?”
“You’d be surprised how few people ask about my name; especially the younger crowd. Do you have a specific inquiry, Ari?”
“No more specific than the man on the street might have. You are no doubt related to our 30 th president, Calvin.”
“Your knowledge of U. S. presidents is commendable, Ari. He was, in fact, my father’s cousin. I did not have the pleasure of meeting him personally. My mother maintained he was one of our better presidents. She would, of course, say that. Do you have a favorite U. S. president, Ari?”
“I did an essay on John F. Kennedy, Calvin. He had both good and bad qualities; as do all men. As far as a favorite, I’m afraid I have not made that distinction as yet. My father insisted I should learn the names of each president and their order of succession. Shortly after he became a citizen, he learned the names himself. My father also taught me a great deal about our native country; Iran. Shall I dazzle you with some seldom published facts about Persia?”
“Please do, Ari”
“As I’m sure you know, Iran was once Persia. Persians were great inventors. You may find some of these facts a bit dubious, Calvin. I assure you they are bonafide. Ice cream was invented in 400 BC by Persians. They had to use naturally occurring ice of course. The Suez Canal was made by the Persians in 250 BC. The first teaching hospital was in Persia in 271 A D. The first cookie was baked in Persia in the year 700. The same year they built the first windmill. Are you properly impressed, Calvin?”
“Indubitably, my learned friend.”
“As am I, Ari.”
“I didn’t realize you were listening, Cyrus.”
“I wasn’t at first. You never cease to amaze me, doctor. This calls for a round of my best French brandy. Shall we retire to the table by the window, gentlemen?”
They toasted Ari, the progress of the project, and the beautiful fall afternoon. The waning sun was shining directly upon a Sugar Maple tree and highlighted the striking red, orange and yellow leaves to perfection. The subject gently transcended to more serious matters.
“Do you have the name of a financial institution for me, Ari? Somewhere I can transfer your first two payments?”
“Actually, I have the names of four such institutions, Cyrus. If it wouldn’t be too much paper work, I would like to have fifty million deposited in each establishment.”
“A wise and cautious move, Ari. It will require very little effort to arrange the separate deposits.”
“Thank you, Cyrus.”
“If I may be so bold, have you considered a location for the facility yet, Ari?”
“There just haven’t been enough hours in a day lately, Calvin.”
“Understandably so, my friend. I have an ulterior motive for asking. A very good friend lives in San Francisco and owns a real estate company. His forte is undeveloped land. Would you be interested in speaking with him?”
“Indeed I would. How very thoughtful of you, Calvin.”
“My pleasure, Ari.”
“Perhaps we should discuss some logistics at this time, Ari. Celia will be expecting us around seven o’clock. Reggie is barbequing this evening; hamburgers and brats’ I think.”
