Voice of a Crimson Angel Part I: Persecution (Reverence Book 5) by Joshua Landeros

Author:Joshua Landeros [Landeros, Joshua]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2018-01-30T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8 – The Fire

February 2, 2042

“Today marks the layoff of another two hundred thousand warehouse employees. This brings the US unemployment rate to above fifteen percent with over forty-eight million people out of work or with fewer hours than they need to support their household. Here in Moreno Valley, California, angry unemployed protested at the entrance but were barred entry to the places most of them had worked for the past twenty or thirty years. One of these workers is Jaime Ennio. Sir, how have you been affected?”

The footage switched to a man who still wore his company T-shirt. The reporter handed him the mic, which he snatched away all the same.

“How have I been affected? I went from a steady paycheck to unemployment that barely covers the bills! I’m fifty-one, man. I’ve still got twenty years before I retire!”

The reporter nodded. “So, what would you say to those who say this is a move toward the future?”

“Future don’t mean shit if we can’t provide for the people living right here, right now! I still ain’t got it the worst, honey. It’s the young guys. They needed this job to put their kids through college! To pay their mortgage so they don’t lose their house! What are we gonna tell them, huh?”

“That begs the question, Mr. Ennio. Do you support the push to ban companies from using advanced robotics for menial labor as well as office jobs? The ban could put hundreds of thousands of tech firms out of business in turn.”

“Who do you think there are more of? Us, or them? President Howard needs to get off his ass and bring down the hammer on these guys. End of story.”

“I see. Thank you, Mr. Ennio. This is Cynthia Pauletti reporting live. Back to you, Jimmy.”

Will opened the door to Barry’s office, finding the man seated with his shoes on his desk. On top of that desk was a box of his belongings: family portraits, laptop, and even his tie. Barry himself paid no mind to Will, intent on watching the broadcast on TV.

“Barry, can we talk for a moment?” Will asked.

“Not now. You see I’m watching the news.”

“Come on, what the hell is the point of watching this shit?”

“Will, my friend, you sound like a day-one jackass. What was the first thing I taught you once you stepped into this building? Always be watching the news. Speculation is the market. Whether people decide to bet it all or run for the hills is all decided by,” he pointed at the TV, “those guys right there. You hear about that International Exclusion Act?”

Will sighed off, “Of course, I did.”

“Good, good, so tell me what you think, Mr. Marconi. Do you think arbitrarily stopping incoming immigration is good for us? Do you think slamming big fucking tariffs on all imports is gonna stop the bleeding now?”

Watching Barry slam his hand down on the table as a madman told Will enough, but he had to stop this.

“What I think is that we need to look at the small picture for now.

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