Richard Stephenson - Collapse

“Hal, everything looks good here. Anything I’m not seeing?”

“The Castle is operating at peak efficiency, sir. Diagnostics of the ventilation, power systems, and structural integrity are within acceptable limits. I will be conducting repairs to the air condensers in the dormitory wing.”

“Data storage?”

“Incoming data remains at the average rate of one point eight terabytes per day. Our current storage capacity remains at seventy four percent. I estimate that in eighteen months it will be necessary to upgrade our storage capacity.”

Howard had programmed for every major news feed, every news broadcast, every significant publication of print and film to be stored in the archives at Beck Castle. Hal had managed some amazing upgrades in terms of data compression. The same amount of data coming into the Castle would have been twelve times as much only twenty years prior. Nothing was kept off site. Four redundant back up drives were located a hundred yards from the structure in each cardinal direction. Hal was able to mask the Internet traffic coming into the Castle.

“What’s the word on the latest Star Trek movie?”

The relaunch of the successful franchise that began in 2009 had spawned eight sequels and two television series. With Los Angeles in decline, Vancouver had been proclaimed the “New Hollywood.” Howard consumed every bit of it like a drug addict. He even begged his friend, Patrick Stewart, to somehow work his way onto the screen as either a time-traveling Captain Picard or one of his ancestors. At his eighty-seventh birthday party, the Englishman finally relented and agreed to either a cameo or a small recurring role, if they would have him.

“The latest movie is set to begin filming in six weeks. All the principal actors have signed on for this film and two more if the series continues.”

“What about Patrick?”

“Mr. Stewart is in negotiations to either be cast in the next film or as a recurring character in the television series Starfleet Academy .”

“Oh, that is awesome! I can’t decide which I would prefer! What role would he play in either?”

“Rumor around the chat rooms say that he would replace Wil Wheaton as Commandant in the television series after he retires next season. His role in the movie is believed to be the antagonist.”

Howard was bouncing in his chair, his eyes filled with the wonder of a child. “Oh my, oh my! This is so exciting! What do you think he should do?”

“I have no opinion one way or the other, sir.”

“C’mon, Hal! Live a little! Compare the two roles and figure out which one would have the most impact on the storyline!”

“What parameters should my analysis contain, sir? I am not sure what you are asking.”

“You’re no fun, Old Man! Contact Patrick and see if he has time to chat with me. We have to talk about this! I want to know which way he is leaning.”

“Standby, sir. I will attempt to set up a meeting.”

“Hurry up!”

“Sir, his assistant has informed me that Mr. Stewart is on a plane headed to London. Once he lands, he will be attending a meeting. You have been penciled in at 6pm.”

“Terrific! That gives me time to watch a few Next Generation movies.”

“Shall I play them in order, sir?”

“Sure, why not.”

Howard spent the rest of the morning and afternoon watching all four of the movies. The billionaire welcomed the distraction. It had been some time since he had enjoyed a Star Trek marathon. When 6pm rolled around, Howard talked with his friend for over an hour. The rumors had only been half true. He had not been offered a role in the upcoming movie; he had, however, been offered a recurring role in the television series. The negotiations centered on just how big the role would be. The studio wanted him to appear in eight to ten episodes a season for two years. He was more inclined to half that number. Howard told him that as long as he was healthy, he should meet them in the middle with the possibility for more. Patrick took the advice. Howard ended the call and decided to have dinner. “Hal, I think we will be leaving tonight.”

“Very good, sir. I will prepare for our departure. What time to do you estimate we will leave?”

“As soon as I finish eating we can get going. That will be all, Hal. Play one of Hillary Hahn’s Bach Violin Concertos. Surprise me.”

“Yes, sir.”

Howard finished his meal and packed up his bag. He rode the elevator to the Batcave and walked the distance to Meredith’s Garden and sat on the bench to the right of her grave.

“I’m leaving, my dear. I promise I will visit more often. I realized that not visiting you has caused me more harm than good. Seeing you brings back all the wonderful memories we shared. I love you so very much, my bride. I’m sorry I couldn’t figure out how to keep us together longer. I did my best, but I just didn’t have enough time.” Howard stood up and placed his hand on the tombstone. “Goodbye, my love. I will see you soon.”

Howard climbed into his car and the A.I. led them back towards the estate some fifty miles to the south. Howard spent the time reviewing the current projects and quarterly reports from his four directors at Beck Enterprises. He answered dozens of emails and checked his investments. Eventually Howard took a break, pausing to gaze out the window. Something wasn’t right.

“Hal, did we have to alter our route?”

“No, sir. We are traveling on the same detour we took to the Castle.”

“Are you sure? Run a diagnostic on the GPS systems.”

“Of course, sir. Standby. Diagnostic complete. All systems are functioning properly.”

“Okay. Well then, where the hell is Denver? We should see the lights on the horizon.”

“Sir, my sensors detect that the city of Denver is in fact to the northwest. It should be visible.”

“Well, Old Man, either my eyesight is going or something isn’t right.”

“Standby, sir. Give me a moment to investigate.”

“Hurry up; I don’t like this at all.” Howard was getting very nervous. Did something happen while we were in the Castle? Am I losing my mind?

“Sir, the city of Denver is currently in a blackout. Electricity ceased functioning approximately forty-seven minutes ago.”

“Well, that’s a relief. I thought the city had vanished. Makes sense. Any idea what happened?”

“It is hard to discern the exact cause from the current data. Reports of widespread rioting might be the cause.”

“Did the rioters sabotage the power grid? That seems a little complicated and organized for a mob.”

“I tend to agree with that assessment, sir. The logical assumption is that the authorities disabled the power in an attempt to regain control of the city.”

“Well, night-vision would give them the upper hand. Let’s just hope it doesn’t backfire and they start setting fires.”

“That would be unfortunate, sir.”

“Do you anticipate any trouble along our current route?”

“My analysis does not indicate any reason to alter our route. If you would like, I can take a route that puts us further away from the city. The new route would add twenty-three minutes to our trip.”

“Do it.”

“Yes, sir. I will continue to monitor the current situation. I have heightened security at the residence and launched sentry drones to monitor the immediate area.”

“Excellent. I need a distraction. Play an episode from season six of The Next Generation. Pick one at random.”

“Yes, sir.”

The windshield blackened out the frightening world as the episode “Tapestry” played.

“Good choice, Old Man, one of my favorites.”

The rest of the drive was uneventful. They arrived at the estate, and Howard entered his home. He was happy to be safe in his private world. He decided to scour the Internet and the major news outlets to see if he could find out anything that could explain what was happening to Denver. What he saw confirmed Hal’s theory. The authorities did in fact disable the power to the city to confuse the rioters and prevent them from organizing. Howard looked at the time and realized it was past 2am. He climbed into bed and gave Hal some final instructions before he went to sleep.