FORTUNE: A FREENBECKY STORY

Chapter 54 🏢

"Richie!" Chen said waving Richie over.
"Hey!" Richie said

Richie ran over the road and entered Chen's car.
"Thanks for picking me up. I still haven't picked up the new car." Richie said
"It's all good. Are you excited?" Chen said
"I am actually!" Richie said
"It seems like something you've always wanted to do. Something that might finally stick." Chen said
"Was that a dig?" Richie said
"Of course not" Chen said

Richie smiled, he remembered his fathers words to him. He remembered that his father reassured him to keep trying new things so he felt comfortable doing so. He also felt that, like Chen said, this one might actually stick.

Richie had been selected for a government coding program. Since his Da died he had felt more of a pull to living a life in service to others like his Da always talked about. He also felt that this job was the perfect fit for all of his interests and all of his acquired skills.

Chen started the car and set off.
"So how long is the program?" Chen asked
"2 weeks, and if I'm impressive enough there is an opportunity to go permanent." Richie said
"I'm sure you will be." Chen said
"Yeah... how's school?" Richie asked
"Busy. These kids are growing up too quickly. Their hyper involved in politics now. I suppose it's a good thing but also not... I caught a student watching Khun Sa's campaign speech. The guy has no good opinions but so much influence." Chen said

"I've heard that a lot of people are really behind him these days. Scary." Richie said
"Yep. It's even more scary that the kids are interested in him." Chen said
"Agreed" Richie said
"Anyway, are you still hosting my engagement barbecue on Friday?"
"Yep, can't believe Malaia agreed to marry you." Richie said
"It's definitely just because she's pregnant" Chen said as they both laughed

"Anyway, how's Becky?" Chen said
"Oh yeah she's good actually. She's much better." Richie said
"Really??" Chen said
"Yeah she's fine." Richie said
"That's not ambiguous at all." Chen said
"Don't worry, she's good." Richie said
"Right" Chen said

Chen pulled up at a tall building in the city. Richie got out then poked his head through the window.
"Thanks Chen" Richie said
"Anytime." Chen replied

Richie looked up at the building and took a deep breath in then entered the building.
The building was modern and spacious and hopeful. It was exactly the type of atmosphere Richie had dreamed of building a career in.

Richie approached the reception.
"Hi, I'm here for the Coding Programme." Richie said
"Name?" The receptionist said
"Richie Armstrong" Richie said
The receptionist scanned the list of names and ticked off Richie's before handing him his pass and welcome pack.

"You have orientation in room 1306. Take the lift up to the thirteenth floor and turn right. You'll need your pass to activate the lift." He said
"Thank you!" Richie replied

Richie entered the lift and pushed the 13th button. Richie walked through the double doors and arrived at the reception for that floor where there was a sign that said "Personnel Development". He turned right and entered room 1306 where 4 other people were waiting.

An older man walked into the room with a hard drive in his hand. He closed the door behind him, plugged in the hard drive, switched on the screen at the front and activated the blinds. Richie was sure he heard the door lock but didn't pay too much attention to it. He was more fixated on the mysterious man before him who didn't greet and didn't seem to know how to smile.

A presentation began to play in the background. Then suddenly the faces of every person in the room appeared along with their personal information. This kicked up a commotion amongst everyone for a moment before the man began speaking.

"Good morning new recruits. We have specially selected you all to be part of our countries digital defence unit known as watchtower. I'm sure you're wondering how we know just about everything about you. It's because we're everywhere. And now you will be too. Your job is to keep watch over the people of Thailand." The man explained
"Right..." Richie replied looking around

Everyone seemed completely at home with the idea of watchtower. They looked prepared. They seemed very different from Richie.
Richie raised his hand.

"Armstrong" the man said
"Yeah, just a question. So you know all of us. But we never caught your name." Richie said
"I can tell you're going to be trouble." He laughed

He walked over to Richie and slammed his palms on Richie's shoulders and squeezed.
"But some of our greatest minds were at one point. Watchtower isn't anything nefarious or illegal if that's what you're worried about." He continued
"Right" Richie said sheepishly
"And I'm General Wo Vajiralongkorn" he said

"...the king's Uncle." Richie thought