Free 2040 Revelations by Robert Storey

how this near infinite supply of money had been cleared through congress, although it was a black project and as such mechanisms had been in place for nearly a century to ensure they passed through regardless. Some things were just too important to disclose to the public and even to politicians. It was concerning, though, even on this side of the curtain.
    ‘How is morale,’ the professor asked him, ‘as a whole?’
    ‘Very good,’ Goodwin said with confidence. ‘We’re on schedule with every major programme and final preparations are being made for when Impact Day protocols are activated.’
    ‘That’s not what I asked, Richard. What I mean is, how are people coping generally with the fact that all overground leave has been cancelled for perhaps five years or more? Some loved ones and friends will not be seen in person for the same duration. The sun and our fine,’ – he looked up – ‘fine blue sky will also be disappearing, too. What is their mood, Richard? These are stressful times for all.’
    ‘There is an air of excitement,’ Goodwin said. ‘This is what we have all trained for, some for many years or much longer in certain instances. There is also anxiety and agitation in some quarters, especially amongst the families of base personnel.  Some of the military are also getting a little agitated; we had an incident the other day where a large fight broke out between air force and army officers, not an example they should be setting to their men.’
    ‘That sounds a little serious, but we have been experiencing such instances in other bases around the world; although not usually with officers, mind you. Testosterone, fear and close quarters are not the best of bedfellows.’
    ‘I agree. One of the Special Forces colonels took control of matters, although he was a little heavy handed for my liking.’
    ‘Oh?’ Steiner said, raising an eyebrow. ‘How so?’
    ‘He had some of the men locked down in solitary confinement,’ Goodwin said, his tone disapproving. ‘He also broke an air force major’s jaw in the melee, which is when I had to step in to prevent further conflict. Colonel Samson was not too happy with my intervention, however.’
    ‘It takes a tougher man to control tough men, Richard. The military and civilian directorship is always a flash point in any situation; however, it must be known that we are in charge. They are our tool to guide, not the other way round.’
    Goodwin grimaced. ‘That is a difficult message to get across sometimes.’
    ‘And yet it is what we are paid to do,’ Steiner said. ‘The Chinese have another method, of course. Communism and strict governance allow little leeway for rule breakers. Their method has its advantages, although I believe those are outweighed by the negatives; but then, no one is perfect, are they?’ He smiled again, lightening the mood a little.
    ‘Apart from us, Professor,’ Goodwin said, grinning.
    Steiner laughed. ‘Well, that goes without saying, of course,’ he said, before continuing his stroll around the room as he immersed himself in the sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest in all its glory.
    Goodwin remained silent as he didn’t like to interrupt the special moment people enjoyed when they were mentally transported to the idyllic location. It took people in various ways. Some liked to chat about every detail; others questioned less and soaked up the ambience. A few people didn’t want to leave, so much so a business a few chambers over had installed a similar system, but much larger, for people to enjoy on lunch breaks and the like. He’d heard it had been a resounding success.
    ‘Can you take me on a tour of the facility, Richard?’ Steiner said at last.
    ‘Of course, Professor.’ Goodwin led the way to the door, and they emerged into a well-lit but mundane office. Out of the window the actual view was an odd one. Thousands of feet below the surface one would expect to see just rock; however, a major jump forward in