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behind…they’ve always
known their fate.”
    For several minutes neither man
spoke.
    "Did you ever stop to think
about what we have already lost?"
    "I agree. Much has been
lost.” Faulken let out a breath and inhaled deeply again. “But much is also at
stake. The future of the United States has been in great jeopardy ever since
the J.G.U. rose to technological power. We were lucky to keep up with them in
dome construction like we did. We are lucky to still be here at all."
    "Many whole countries are
still living on the outside," Baldwin’s voice began to sound tired.
    "As so are we."
    "As so are we,"
Baldwin repeated moving about uncomfortably in his chair.
    "But those countries will
soon die,” Faulken’s voice became curt. His cigar tip again burned brightly.
    “We have to ensure that we
outlast them. All of them. It is how this technological race has to be. And
when it’s finally over, the United States will take full lead in world affairs.
As it should be. It’s why Plan Zero was created. It’s why the Vulture team now
exists. It is why we are here today."
    "How many others think like
you?" Baldwin asked straightening his back.
    "Many more than you might
think."
    Faulken walked to the side of
the wall and put out his cigar. An even more ominous darkness filled the hall.
    "In fact your thoughts are
much the same."
    "My thoughts are not the
same. Initiating Plan Zero is condemning our own citizens to death. When did
this ever become our right?"
    "It became our right the
day the ozone layer finally died. The same day we took to burrowing into the
hills and digging ourselves underground. It is true many must and will die. But
this will give many more the opportunity to live.”
    Baldwin lowered his head and
looked down at the ground.
    “It is a grave thing. But I
assure you, it is necessary for this world to survive.”
    “This is not how it should be.
The President cannot be given this option. Not to do this.”
    "We have known since the
technology first became feasible this was someday going to take place.
Everything has been painstakingly prepared.”
    “Plan Zero is based on unproven
technology only believed to work as designed," Baldwin said quietly.
    “That’s not true…,” Faulken said
holding up a finger and pointing at Baldwin. “…not anymore. The Beam Cannon
Hardware is known to work. It will generate an artificial ozone. Only
implementation is holding us back."
    "Implementation is holding
us back,” Baldwin whispered mockingly while shaking his head at the floor.
    "You know as well as I, we
don’t have the room,” Faulken quickly answered him. “Each solar dish to power
the cannons occupies ten square miles. You almost need more than ten times the size
of land you are protecting just for that alone.”
    Baldwin did not respond.
    "And then there’s the
actual cannons and land space incinerated when they launch. Construction of the
satellites to deflect the bursts down and around will consume even greater
chunks of ground.”
    Faulken paused for a moment
allowing his words to linger in the air and settle about.
    "There is nowhere for them
to go," he said again. "The plan. It is the only way."
    "No!" Baldwin spit
sharply. "You are describing the most unspeakable actions this world has
ever seen."
    "Plan Zero is the only way
to implement the hardware,” Faulken’s voice was calm and smooth. “As a military
operation it will eliminate Japan and its power alliances as a superpower
threat. The world will no longer live under military fear. And the disease
plaguing the planet, by the time our own children have grown, will finally have
been erased.”
    “This is unconscionable!”
Baldwin said hotly and rose up from his chair. “I don’t care what it is
ultimately supposed to accomplish!”
    “No it is not,” Faulken said
softly again. “It is necessary.”
    "We are plotting to
assassinate our own citizens and destroy our own cities! For god’s sakes!”
Baldwin’s voice raged through