Damned!

Breaking the Story

The Village Voice, the small internet news company that had burst into popularity eight years past at about the time President Hoveting was elected, was hidden and located nearby the capitol inside two apartments at Tower Passes on Blackjack Street. The exact address was not well known, as their primary means of operation was internet related, and their messages were not mainstream, to say the least. It was this news source that had first broken the story of advanced AI recognition being unregulated and at the purchasing powers of city officials. They had also released a sourced audio meeting between police and city officials discussing the use of combat robots on the streets.

Thomas had chosen this news source for many reasons beyond popularity. It was known for protecting the identification of whistleblowers, the location was largely restricted by secrecy, and the owner- Cheryl Singh, happened to be an acquaintance via their college days.

"Thomas Coulture," the door had flown open, and Cheryl Singh - his ex-girlfriend with legs almost twice as long as her straight blue-black hair that hung over her hips, stood blocking the entrance. She eyed him appraisingly. Her dark brown eyes accenting the mocha skin that he had found only to be one of the more perfect qualities about her. As in many times during their relationship, the reversal of gender power roles had been disconcerting for him, and he found himself waiting for her approval even at the altar of what had been their obvious affection for each other.

"It has been too long. Yet I see you look well and are enjoying your success as DOS head secretary." She said this as a curious matter of fact rather than a question, a habit she had of knowing his desires and what would be positive affirmations. She motioned him inside and directed him to a back office passing by several open apartment doors, where young adults with scraggly hair and casual jean dress like Cheryl were conversing over the latest pieces of news to be sent out.

"I see you haven't changed," Thomas mentioned looking intently at their obvious difference in clothing styles.

"Neither have you," she returned evenly.

"Have we found the answer to our break-up, then?"

"I doubt it," he replied too quickly, flushing slightly at the mention of a possibility of analyzing their relationship again.

Cheryl nodded thoughtfully in a playful gesture and then motioned to the couch chair at the side of her desk.

"Let's hear what you came to talk about."

Thomas drew out a paper from his pocket showing the stats of the security detail that was to be provided at the site of Watershed Project. He explained how the Gandan people, who have up until this point been a largely peaceful tribe, were to be relocated against their wishes, and had become the object of government interests due to them trying to protect their homeland. The use of AI recognition would be catastrophic to those undocumented among them. This would add to their current news stories of interest that were largely responsible for the protests across the capitol.

"Oh, we are responsible for the capitol protests?" Cheryl said in mocking humor. "This coming from my ex who thought my writing talents would be wasted on a start-up venture. I am loving the compliment, but I think you need to give the people more credit. They are more woke than you think, and there are many resources beyond my little start-up that have brought forth this issue."

"Mabe, but none more immediate than your own." Thomas replied.

Cherly apparently enjoyed basking in compliments because Thomas could see her mind being swayed as she sat up straighter with more interest.

"Let's be honest here. You aren't really interested in the AI drama. I'm guessing you have an alternative motive, but I am in the dark as to what that might be. We will go no further in this conversation until you come clean, Thomas Coulture. I know you, what's this really all about?"

Thomas sighed and explained his connection to Ein.

"The former Engineer chief? Okay this is getting interesting."

"Well, you know he was fired for not proceeding with the Watershed Jungle project. His concern is the environment changing so rapidly and the displacement of the Gandan people."

Cheryl smiled smugly.

"Yes, he would be concerned about the Gandans, wouldn't he?"

Thomas frowned.

"Not sure what is meant by that."

"Well, let's just say that he has quite a bit invested in Medium Cruces," she smiled. " I know Ein through my previous days of riding the roller coaster of the white house press corp. Having said that, I really do believe Ein's a stand-up guy. And you know research is my middle name. If Ein wants the attention, he can have it. Show me what you've got. If it is good, we will break the story in Friday's release."

Thomas handed over the notes Ein had written about the Watershed Project.

"I'll also let you know. I can verify that Capital security has been hired to send to Medium Cruces in the near future to help keep the peace. You might want to follow this story by stationing a reporter in Medium Cruces."

"You have been told this?"

"It's not out in the department yet. I have my sources."

Cheryl gave him a questioning look.

"I can vouch for them."

Silence engulfed them, but Thomas didn't budge.

"If you can vouch for them, it is good enough for me."

Thomas gave a sigh of relief and was about to offer an embrace, but Cheryl stopped him.

"Let's not confuse matters," she said, offering her hand to shake.