Landmark 2d. Currency War
Leads to Hot War
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.
Dr. Dominique Larbonne gave a whoop and started clapping. The rest of the board members caught the mood and joined in. “C’mon Josef,” Larbonne waved Ranell towards his seat, “tell us all 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. Mitch Anderson scowled. “Did they really say, ‘unlimited funding?’ How is that even possible?”
“What are you talking about, Mitch?” Ranell was caught off guard by the tone as much as the question itself. What is it now? Can’t I ever get to enjoy a win once and a while? “You’re the one who advocated the strongest for going after government contracts. You were right!”
“That’s not what I mean, Josef,” Anderson replied, his dour expression unchanged. “What I mean is, how can the government be talking about 'unlimited funding’ when the administration just announced a massive gold acquisition?”
“What gold acquisition?”
Anderson shot Ranell an angry look, “You’re kidding me, right?”
Ranell didn't answer. Long ago, he'd learned that silence often drew more answers than questions. He simply met Anderson’s gaze and waited. The technique worked, and Anderson rushed to fill the conversational void with an explanation.
“I’m talking about the Gold Standard Restoration Act, you know, the one just signed into law by the President?” Anderson lifted his chin defiantly. Now it was his turn to wait for a reply.
Ranell didn’t have a ready answer. “Mmm…” and a confused look was his response.
Choose Option 1: Learn More about the Gold Standard Restoration Act
Choose Option 2: Continue Story