RESURGENCE

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

September 7, 2033

Stuart and Nick sat at a round table in the center of the presidential dining room at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington D.C. A category-five hurricane—Betty, had hit Florida a week ago, causing damages estimated at eighty-billion dollars. The room was filled with the richest and most powerful people representing corporate America. Fundraisers, either political or nonprofit, were common at the club. The president had just finished a speech that urged corporations to donate with as much vigor as they do for political campaigns. 

“He does speak well,” said Nick as the applause for the president died down.

“He sure does,” said Stuart. “He was very convincing when he diplomatically blamed our company for the Times Square massacre.”

Soon after the presidential address, dinner was served. 

As they were finishing dinner, Marcus Allen approached their table.

“Hello guys,” said Marcus. “What a wonderful surprise to see you! I’m glad you two made it, rather than sending a representative—as most of the big companies do.”

“It’s a noble cause and we’re happy to be here,” Stuart said as he looked over his shoulder and noticed Marcus’ perfect smile, tanned skin, and salty-black hair trimmed short in a military fashion. 

“How do you like the dinner?” said Marcus.

“It’s pretty good,” said Nick. “Love the grilled fish.”

“I know,” said Marcus. “The white sauce that comes with it is the best I’ve had in a while. It’s vegan, much healthier than the regular kind”

“What makes it healthier?” asked Stuart.

“I don’t have a clue,” Marcus said as he took a spoonful of ice cream from a small bowl he held.

“That’s why you make a good politician,” said Nick as he smiled.

“It’s my job guys,” said Marcus. “To keep an eye on which way the wind is blowing. To gauge the public opinion. The big man can’t do it all by himself. He needs people like me to watch his back so he doesn’t get into trouble. Speaking of trouble, your company has been in the limelight recently for all the wrong reasons and, after the Times Square massacre, I would be worried if I were you. Why don’t we have a chat after you guys are done with dinner?”

“Is that what the big guy wants?” asked Stuart.

“He wants world peace, eradication of poverty, establishment of a permanent Jewish state, the Red Sox to win, and some other things,” said Marcus with a smile as he turned and left them.

Half an hour later, the three of them sat in the Roosevelt room around a small coffee table. 

“Gentlemen,” said Marcus, “this is a perfectly safe place to talk.”

“So what’s up Marcus?” said Stuart.

“I am very good at what I do,” said Marcus. “And that’s why I work for the very best. People say that I can predict the future, and I do have a great track record at it. If you ask me, I see tough times for your company in the coming months.”

“Things are pretty rough as they are,” said Nick.

“Think about this,” said Marcus. “About fifteen states could pass a bill outlawing your company and force you to shut shop and move out.”

“That would suck, big time,” said Nick.

“The Times Square massacre has ignited a fire in the people,” said Marcus. “The conservatives and the orthodox religious folks have always feared your company. Now, they’ve got something to blame. Their voices are getting stronger by the day, and they’ll bite as hard as they can.”

“The Times Square massacre wasn’t our fault,” said Nick. “The guy was a nutcase, and we can prove it.”

“Democracy works on votes not facts,” said Marcus. “If the states want, they can kick you out.”

Marcus placed a file on the table in front of them and said, “Take a look at this file. It has biographies on all the members of senate in the concerned states, their personal views about your company, and an estimated result of a bill banning your company if it were to be introduced in each state.”

Stuart took a quick look at the file and passed it on to Nick.

“This must have taken a long time to make,” said Nick as he scanned the file.

“I don’t know what to say Marcus,” said Stuart. “If they vote us out then that’s what they want, and there’s nothing we can do about it. At the end of the day, they’re the ones missing out on life, not us. What do you say?”

“It doesn’t have to be that way,” said Marcus. “All you need is a well-directed aggressive advertising campaign to improve the company’s image, and this all can be avoided.”

“I knew this day would come sooner or later,” said Stuart. “We’ve tried our best to stay out of politics, but it seems we can’t anymore.”

“It was always going to be hard given the size of your company,” said Marcus.

“What’s wrong with the president?” asked Stuart. “Why is he trying to warn us? He hates us.”

“He is a good old-fashioned cowboy from Texas,” said Marcus. “He got the office three years ago promising change for the people. He’s failed at it, and I don’t see him being re-elected next year. He doesn’t like your company or what you are doing, and he’s got nothing to lose if you guys have to shut shop in fifteen states. He might be politically naive, but he’s a man of his word—and he’s vowed never to ‘go young.’ He will die naturally, per God’s will. I am here as an independent agent. The president did not send me.”

“Why are you helping us?” asked Stuart.

“To be very honest with you guys,” said Marcus. “I am sick of politics and want to retire. Your company has the potential to be an everlasting money-making machine with a product that can’t be replaced. For that to happen, you are going to need someone who can handle the political scenarios. I am your man. I am offering my services as a political consultant.”

“For years, we have been avoiding this,” said Stuart, “I’ve never wanted to deal with senators and legislators, and we’ve never felt the need to hire lobbyists like other companies do, but I think the time has come to take this seriously. We could use your help. It’s a shame that a company based on science has to get involved with politics, but that’s the way life is. Marcus, you’ll hear from us soon. Thank you.”