Core Beliefs - Chapter 67 - Reveal

Core Beliefs – Chapter 67 - Reveal

Late September, during a video conference via Ruben’s new Personal Communications Modules (PCMs), the members of Dlrow Wen agreed it was time to reveal more of the technology to the world. The scientists were confident they had the means to protect and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.

Once more, that inner voice had moved Matt to boldness. Matt arranged with Senator Coldwell to make a presentation before a Select Congressional Committee on Energy and, later that same day, before the Joint Committee overseeing the EPA.

***

On Wednesday, September 25, Chris and Suchet arrived in Washington in a rental truck. Matt flew in by air and joined Chris and Suchet at the hotel on the outskirts of the capital.

That night, accompanied by Senator Coldwell, they met with Capital Security and were escorted, scanned, and patiently watched as Capital Security inspected the components the scientist would use during their demonstration. Then everyone helped maneuver the hardware into position in the meeting room, covering it with cloths.

***

The meeting with the congressional energy committee was early, at 8:00 a.m. At 7:45, Matt, Chris, and Suchet took their seats, joining the legislators, and the meeting started at 8:00 sharp.

Matt planned to reveal a power module. This was a P5-b series capable of one million watts at 10,000 volts.

A 300HP motor, variable capacity dynamometer, electrical metering equipment, and an inverter were among the hardware they’d positioned the night before.

This wasn’t like the committee encounters Matt had with Stebbins. In this session, he was demonstrating, and the Senators and Congressmen were listening and learning.

It took an hour and ten minutes. Matt demonstrated the power module, explaining that he could produce them to replace fossil-fuel-fired generating plants. Electricity costs would decrease, pollution levels could be reduced, and power companies could afford to upgrade the power grid.

“My company will lease the power modules to the utilities at 2.5 cents per kilowatt-hour,” Matt said. “There will be conditions. I have the right to restrict power distribution to the specific uses outlined in the proposal.”

There were objections, but Matt drew a line: “Take it or leave it.”

Those who objected to the restrictions realized that if they held their ground, they would be looking for a new job after the next election.

***

They broke for lunch and assembled in the same room with a different committee, this one being environmental oversight. Several high-level EPA officials were also present.

Chris and Suchet demonstrated a converter. Panic ensued as white fine silica materialized in the air and dropped to the floor, forming a pile. Several congressmen scampered back in panic. Security personnel moved forward. Senator Coldwell stood and waved his hands, coaxing people to calm down.

“It’s okay. This is just sand,” Saulman raised his voice. “It’s just for demonstration purposes. There is no threat!” He had to repeat his words several times.

“Some warning would be appreciated!” The chair of the committee pounded his gavel. “Some of us do not handle surprises all that well!”

“My apologies,” Suchet said. “This is normal to my associates and me. We did not perceive how others might react.”

“How are you doing this!” another congressman demanded.

“The science is proprietary,” Matt said, rising and stepping forward. “But, as you can see, it is very real. We hope to use it in ways that make lives better, the world cleaner, and address many environmental and climate issues. Our first priority is that it never be used in a way that brings harm.”

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Chris moved forward. “I think it’s time to clean up our mess.”

They switched the unit and began converting the silica back into air, and ended by converting the motor into sand, then into air.

Expressions were stunned as the committee members watched.

A debate began among the congressmen, and a whispered debate among the others present.

“Okay!” The chair of the committee finally gaveled the meeting to order. “This is real.”

Matt went into his presentation.

His company, using this technology, could clean up Superfund sites and even eliminate radioactive waste. He outlined the ability to clean polluted rivers and lakes and covered the health and economic benefits the actions would bring.

The punchline: Matt’s people could complete jobs for half what the government was currently paying, employ thousands of new workers, and offer education, healthcare, and other incentives.

“Bottom line, we will thereby generate tax revenues for all levels of government, and the incomes would boost the local economy while solving a problem.”

The response was almost unanimous, and the legislators instructed the EPA to establish negotiations as soon as possible.

Matt closed by emphasizing that the equipment and technologies were his company’s property and that he retained complete control.

Senator Coldwell caught up with Matt, Chris, and Suchet for dinner that evening.

“Congress and the Administration are champing at the bit to get both projects going,” he said. “Election time is around the corner, and they all can claim credit for the benefits derived from the technologies.”

Matt appeared on all the major networks the following morning. It was one of the few times the networks agreed to co-broadcast.

Matt publicly demonstrated the power module and the converter. Questions were asked about the technology, but Matt simply said it was confidential.

The worldwide response exploded as companies, countries, and every known crackpot wanted to get their hands on one of these things. Luckily, very few knew how to reach any of Matt’s companies, and the broadcast networks took the brunt of the calls.

***

By late October, Joe had negotiated contracts with several power companies, and on the island, production of the P5-F power supply was underway. This was not the most powerful module they could produce, but it was transportable. Importantly, the modules could be connected to form a total output exceeding the capacity of the power plant they would replace. They could also add additional modules in the future.

***

Matt took a break in late October for a very special event. Joe was turning fifty-six, and he and Cynthia had decided to join their children in receiving the DNA treatment.

The party was fabulous. The next morning, Matt took Joe and Cynthia to Ling’s Clinic in St. Louis, and four days later, the two left as new people.

***

Matt wasn’t finished bringing new technology to the world. He knew he could put power modules directly in cars, but the members of Dlrow Wen believed there was too much risk. After a great deal of discussion, it was decided that developing hydrogen-powered automobiles made more sense. Naturally, M&E Enterprises could supply hydrogen fuel at a low price.

The concept was that auto companies would increase their efforts to bring hydrogen-powered vehicles to market. The gas suppliers could add hydrogen storage and dispensing units to their stations. The efforts would start in the most polluted cities. Expand to other metropolitan areas and interstate highways. Finally, they would add rural areas. It would be a five-year plan that would transform transportation and energy in the United States. In addition, thanks to new power stations using power modules, the reduced electricity costs would enhance the use of electric vehicles.

***

It started subtly with general inquiries from the military, then escalated into demands that the technologies be made available for the country’s defense. There were even attempts to harass members of Matt’s companies. IRS audits and trumped-up health and safety charges.

Matt called Saulman Coldwell. The Senator told him that this was not coming from Congress, but appeared to be coming from the administration, particularly the Cabinet. The Secretary of Defense had been pushing the Department of Revenue and OSHA to help create leverage, forcing Matt to cave to his wishes.

Matt asked the Senator what he thought the best response would be.

After a few minutes of thought, Saulman replied, “I’ll arrange a meeting with the SOB. I will be there with the President’s Chief of Staff. I recommend you hit him between the eyes with both barrels.”

***

The meeting was set for November 26. To Matt’s surprise, it was held at the White House. The president also attended. Senator Coldwell introduced Matt.

“Gentlemen,” Matt said, “I want to thank you for meeting with me today. I hope we can find understanding on some issues that are of the utmost importance.”

The Chief of Staff replied, “Mr. Lehman, it is our pleasure to meet with you, and we also look forward to working towards meaningful understandings.”

Matt smiled and looked directly at the Secretary of Defense, “Absolutely no military applications of my technologies!”

Everyone except Senator Coldwell wore a stunned expression.

Matt continued, “I did not come here to bargain. Here are the facts: I will cancel all existing arrangements for power and hazardous waste elimination programs. I will pack up every factory I have, leave the country, and reach out to every other country in the world except the United States of America. I will also go on every available news program and provide documentation of the harassing and underhanded tactics you have used to try to manipulate me. Therefore, gentlemen, let’s make it clear. By law, I have the right to determine when, where, and how my technologies will be used, and there is no provision for you to force me to do otherwise.”

Matt took a small power module from his pocket and set it on the conference table. “I recommend you all back away at least six feet.”

It was humorous to watch the men scramble from the table. Matt snapped his fingers. The power module vanished, taking three feet off the table and anything else in that diameter, including part of the floor, with it.

“I want you to understand this clearly. Suppose there is any attempt to tamper with, move, or investigate any of the technology we possess. If there is even one instance of harassment or frivolous interference, I will not hesitate to destroy it all.”

“You traitor!” the Secretary of Defense blared. “You should be thrown in prison or put in front of a firing squad. I have never heard anyone insult the integrity of the President and the United States like this ever in my life! You can threaten all you want, but the fact is, you are just a citizen, and I’m the Secretary of Defense. I should have you arrested on the spot for attempted assassination of the president.”

“Go ahead,” Matt said, “and we will see where the law resides in this.”

He turned to the president, “Mr. President, I mean no disrespect, but I thought this country was about the rule of law, and I furthermore thought that it was about the rights of us who are just citizens. I hope you have not forgotten that the people of the United States chose to employ you. If you and your administration feel you can walk over whoever you choose to try to get your way, then this is indeed a sad day.”

The president rose from his chair, walked to Matt, and extended his hand. “Mr. Lehman, I’m afraid that now and then we need a reminder. From what I can tell, everything you have generously offered has been to improve the lot of the people and thereby strengthen us as a country.

“I believe that we already have the most powerful military in the world, and we don’t need to seek extraordinary technology beyond what we can develop for ourselves.”

He turned to the Secretary of Defense and his Chief of Staff, “Let me make this clear. Hands off, is that understood? Because if it isn’t, I can make adjustments.”

The Secretary of Defense was scarlet, and the Chief of Staff was not far behind.

Matt shook the president’s hand again. “Mr. President, send me the bill for the repair of my little demonstration; I will gladly compensate you for the damage.”

The president laughed, “I think I will have the repairs come out of the Department of Defense. After all, that’s who initiated this event.”

They both smiled. Matt left with Senator Coldwell.

“Was that enough of both barrels for you?” Matt asked.

The Senator laughingly replied, “It hit like the sixteen-inch guns on a battleship. I have never seen a Cabinet member’s boat sunk that fast. Matthew, you may not realize it, but you may have accomplished much more in that meeting than just getting that jerk off your back.”

“Are we now ready to revolutionize the transportation industry?”

The Senator nodded, “Thursday, December 12, and I will be presiding at this one.”

***

Many members of Dlrow Wen were rushing to put the final touches on what was to date the most far-reaching initiative they had ever proposed. The hydrogen fuel option for transportation was a massive undertaking and would significantly impact the auto industry and oil and gas companies. Matt and the rest of the group were aware they needed a plan that would benefit all involved.

***

On Monday, December 9, Matt and thirty other Dlrow Wen members held a conference via PCMs. This was the final meeting before the appearance before Senator Coldwell’s committee on transportation. Everyone had been working on assignments since October, and the volume of information was staggering. They took almost 4 days to go through the data, sort it, and structure it into a consolidated proposal. This was where Matt was at his best; turning the hundreds of different documents into a cohesive presentation gave him a renewed sense of excitement.

On the evening of December 11, Matt, Joe, and a dozen members of Dlrow Wen flew to Washington. They met with Saulman Coldwell and over-viewed the presentation. Saulman only saw one issue. The delivery time was too long, so they would have to continue the committee meeting on Friday to complete the presentation.

***

Thursday morning, Saulman called the committee to order. Introductions were made, and then the floor was turned to Matt and Joe. Joe began the presentation by outlining the current US automobile market and the interrelated aspects of fuel, service, insurance, pollution, waste, and loss. He backed his presentation with factual data and included employment figures showing the decline in employment in the US auto industry. He compared the income of US-based auto and oil company employees with the international average. Finally, he presented production efficiency curves showing that US automakers were lagging behind their Asian and European counterparts. The entire morning painted a picture of an industry in decline, with no hope of recovery.

“We know it’s hard to believe that the US auto industry can be restored, but that’s the very reason we’re here. We are sure we have an answer that will enable everyone to win. That is what we wish to show you this afternoon.”

They broke for lunch and ate in the Senate dining room with Saulman. About them, Senators and Congressmen chattered about something major regarding the auto industry.

When they returned to the committee room, it was packed. They were delayed while the newcomers found seats.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Matt took the floor. We presented to you this morning an accurate and in-depth picture of the US auto industry. The facts are undeniable. What was once the pride of the US economy is on life support.

“What we propose is radical and requires cooperation from the government, the auto industry, and the oil and gas industry.

For three hours, Matt laid out a detailed plan to convert from gasoline to hydrogen power. He outlined the creation of new jobs, the ecological benefits, and the economic benefits. The auto industry would need tens of thousands of workers. The oil and gas industry would not only keep existing employees and jobs but would also add to the workforce. Entire new industries and subindustries would spring into being from entrepreneurial efforts, and it would all be fueled by hydrogen.

Matt outlined his plan to provide inexpensive hydrogen to the marketplace through oil and gas companies, making it readily available for consumers. He detailed a five-year plan that reduced gasoline-powered transportation by 65% and, in 15 years, by 90% or more. The pollution and health benefits would save tens of thousands of lives; the economic stimulus would reach all other aspects of the US economy; and the tax revenues would provide the government with a way to balance the budget and fund programs that were suffering.

During his presentation, Matt had members of the Dlrow Wen team present the technical details of fueling stations, existing hydrogen fuel cell systems, and a road map to proposing a reality.

Matt concluded, “I know this is a lot to swallow, so we have the complete presentation available on USB memory sticks, and if needed, we can supply it in a bound form, but I warn you the bound printed version is over six thousand pages and much of it is data and technical support information.”

He sat down, and Senator Caldwell spoke before anyone else, “My fellow Senators and Congressmen, I am sure you agree that what we have seen is a proposal that is significant and possibly answers important issues we face in this country. I recommend that, if the two gentlemen are available tomorrow, we reconvene to ask questions and determine whether and how we, as elected representatives of the people, should participate in this endeavor. So, gentlemen,” he spoke to Matt and Joe, “is it possible that you join us tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.?”

Matt and Joe nodded affirmatively, and Saulman adjourned the meeting.

***

The following day, the Q&A session went smoothly; it was obvious that many representatives had consulted with the lobbyist from the Oil and Auto industry, and though cautious, they seemed ready to buy in, particularly if subsidies were available. The biggest development, crushing all opposition, was when Matt advised they would make the hydrogen available at a rate corresponding to 35cents per gallon of gas. He outlined that the economic stimulus of this alone would create tens of billions of dollars in disposable income for both individuals and industry.

It was a done deal, and they would hold joint conferences with the Auto and Oil industries as quickly as was feasible.

***

Matt hugged Ling tightly, then lifted Timmy into his arms. “This has been a good week.”

He was home, his family with him, and all seemed right with the world.

“I struggle to believe all we’ve accomplished,” Matt sighed.

“As if this were destiny?” Ling asked.

Matt nodded his head. “But I get the feeling that we are but players, that something larger is calling the shots.”

Ling grinned, “But it is still our choice to play.”

They settled on the living room couch. Matt closed his eyes, intending to think through some agenda items, but quickly slipped into deep sleep.