Landmark 2b. Hyperinflation
Leads to Famine
If you're stumbling upon this post for the first time, you're entering the narrative midway through its unfolding saga. Alternatively, if you've eagerly awaited the next episode, consider revisiting Chapter Index to refresh your memory.
It was a short hop for the Lockheed Martin executive helicopter from Palmdale back to the Los Angeles International Airport. Walking across the hot tarmac and through the crowded airport to his car in short-term parking made Ranell feel like he was leaving a magical land of enchantment and returning to the ordinary, mundane world. He checked his watch. He hadn't been gone long. Before heading home for the day, there was time for a quick stop by the office.
“Whose got two thumbs and just saved the company?” Ranell burst into the GML staff room. “This guy!” he crowed, pointing his thumbs at his chest.
Mitch Anderson gave a whoop and started clapping. The rest of the board members caught the mood and joined in. “C’mon Josef,” Anderson waved Ranell towards his seat, “tell us what happened.”
“It’s just so incredible! I’m still trying to process everything I’ve seen,” Ranell began. And then, with lots of interruptions and questions, he relayed the details of his visit to the Skunk Works to this team, their enthusiasm growing as his story unfolded.
Only one team member seemed to have any doubts about the project. Dr. Dominique Larbonne held both hands in the air like he was trying to grasp an imaginary object. His expression was pinched in concentration. “Did they really say, ‘unlimited funding?’ How is that even possible?”
“Cora told me the threat of war with China is leading the administration to implement Modern Monetary Theory,” Ranell explained.
“Oh, that makes sense then.” Larbonne folded his hands and dropped them into his lap, an expression of contentment spread across his face.
“What’s Modern Monetary Theory?” Anderson cast suspicious glances between Larbonne and Ranell.