The Contrivance

By Asher Lewis Stam

A thriller full of intrigue set in two very contrasting time periods, where certain people are forced to make difficult choices.

Perceive the lives of people during the turbulent eighteenth century Scotland, where a family man is given an unique opportunity. Will his conscience allow him to make sacrifices that will ensure future prosperity for Scotland and his family?

Numerous characters are connected in this 'web.'

Another part of the story takes place in the near future where the world has been brought together into an ultra organised collective system, including health organisations. Follow a medical school graduate on his journey of discovery, dismay and hope.

The readers are left to ask: How much power is too much power? Who can we trust around us? And is there enough being done to prevent the threat from becoming a reality?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Asher Lewis Stam
• Release date: Jan 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311111845

Book preview

PART I

Chapter 1

York, England

It is May 2038 and the pleasant warmth of the sun consoled the neck of the gentleman kneeling at the recently placed gravestone. A green butterfly fluttered in the warm air and landed gracefully on the gravestone. The man considered the butterfly's arrival and made an effort to wipe his tears with his hand.

Standing up, he took a brief look at the gravestone, closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, recovering from the grief and anguish he had just experienced while visiting this grave.

Opening his eyes, he felt a renewed energy and subsequently left the cemetery.

The gentleman's name is Bob Chandall. The last few weeks had been extremely tough for him. His father, who he had endeared so deeply had passed away. To make it worse, to outsiders he had passed away abruptly, in the flicker of an eye and he had shown no signs that he was suffering from anything.

Slowly, though, Bob was starting to get to grips with what had happened. His acceptance was growing and he was finding that the acceptance was a far less evil feeling than the miserable sting that sorrow brought. Maybe he would accept it more now, he thought to himself.

It was when Bob had just left the cemetery that he received a notification on his wrist module. The result of the postmortem was in. Bob grabbed his electronic key and hopped into his car and the car drove him to York hospital.

On entering the hospital he paused on noticing the queue. Just a short wait, he hoped.

15 minutes later a doctor approached his chair and said, 'Follow me, Bob.' The doctor held out his hand to him once they reached a door with the plaque on it: Dr Marshall - Special Cases.

Bob frowned at the plaque. They entered the room and the doctor closed the door behind him. Before the doctor sat down he instantaneously said, 'Very healthy your father was Mr Chandall.'

Then came a moment of silence.

Realizing that the doctor had caused the silence purposefully, Bob looked at the doctor curiously, 'But doctor, if he was so healthy then why the... death?'

'I am not at all sure Mr Chandall. It seems like his heart stopped as there are no other signs of anything irregular occurring.'

'What about poisoning?'

'No, you can rule that out.'

Massachusetts, USA

'You're going to be late' remarked Andy van Solteren in a kind warning tone. Richard, Andy's brother, looked at the glass, now almost empty, and took the last swig. 'You're right. Let's go!'

They stepped into the car and it drove them to the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Andy made a connection to the car's media screen with his wrist module and turned on some independent disco music from 2 decades back.

'I don't want to celebrate too quickly,' laughed Richard.

'It is not as if you are going to fail Rich,' answered Andy.

'I suppose.' he said doubtfully, 'I am just a little nervous.'

When they arrived at the premises they both noticed the almost jam-packed car park. 'This is it,' said Richard. They gave each other five and they walked towards the entrance. At the steps, one of the professors handed over a program to them.

'Feeling nervous Richard?' he inquired.

Richard smiled, 'Just a little.'

The 2 brothers took an eager glance at the schedule. Andy took a look over his shoulder to the large white-faced clock. '15 minutes to the results,' he exclaimed. 'And then proceeding that the ceremony of hoods!'

Richard received a message on his wrist module. 'Mum and Dad are here already. They are sitting near the front,' he told Andy.

Andy and Richard went to the rows of chairs and saw their parents at the front. Richard's mother had the look of a proud mother with a beaming smile on her face. Richard's dad nodded as if to acknowledge Richard's assessment of his mother's pride.

They all sat down and waited patiently for the announcements. The high-pitched noise of a microphone pierced the ears of all present.

'Sorry, sorry,' said a small bald man, who was one of the chemistry teachers, walking up the wooden steps of the platform. He looked at the audience and waited for the last few standing to take their seats. The man smiled and said, 'All teachers here at Massachusetts University are extremely proud of the students who have spent the last few years working hard to graduate. It is with mixed feelings that we will make these results public and have to let you go. It will be a shame to see you leave, although we know you have earned it.'

The bald man invited a Mr Chestnut to the platform. Mr Chestnut, the principle, was twice the size of the bald man and there were instant sneers and giggles in the audience. Richard perked up his ears.

'It is time to announce the graduates of this term.' Now the audience were silent as the anticipation grew.

'We shall begin with students who now have their MD/PhD degree:

Cathleen Shaw. Christopher Sangley. Raj Sajit. Rachel da Silva...' He looked at the list he was holding and continued, '… and finally, Richard van Solteren.' Andy gave Richard a high five like earlier in the day, only this time with more fervour. Richard was the taller one, both had blond hair and blue ocean like eyes.

After the rest of the names were announced who had other degrees, Richard went inside the building with the other happy graduates and they collected their costume and hoods ready for the ceremony.

Richard didn't particularly like the green costume and hood he had to put on but didn't complain as he had no choice in the matter. Exiting the building he covered his eyes with his arm avoiding the strong beaming sun. On returning to the seating with the platform, he waited by the steps.

Eventually, all the newly graduated students were in line and one by one they came to collect their certificate that they were eager to get there hands on and to give Mr Chestnut a handshake, but the latter reason they did not really care much about. When it was Richard's turn, his mother stood up and took a photo with her camera.

Chapter 2

Evening approached and Richard arrived back home. He was very satisfied with himself but was also exhausted from the day. His parents had arranged a surprise celebratory BBQ and all of his friends had been invited and almost all were present.

As he entered his apartment he went straight to the refrigerator and pulled out an ice cold bottle of beer. He opened the beer top and went to sit on his balcony. The weather was truly glorious for the month of May and Richard was absorbing all the sun's strength. He shut his eyes.

His wrist-module vibrated and he opened his eyes to check out who had sent him a message. He saw it was Kim Park, a good friend of his, had sent him the video message. In the message, Kim congratulated him on his graduation, as he had seen it on Richard's network page. Kim also related that he had been thinking about Richard's future plans. He asked Richard if he wanted to video chat with him in 5 minutes.

About 5 minutes later Richard started a video-call to Kim. 'Hi, Richard!' Kim exclaimed, 'you got my message then?'

'Hi Kim, it has been a while since we last spoke man! How is your work doing over at Harvard?' He was referring to Harvard Clinical Institute, Boston.

'Well, that is why I wanted to speak to you. You see, my work is going fine, but I heard a few weeks ago that we must prepare for a major reshuffle very soon. It seems as if a lot of jobs will be lost.'

There was a moment of silence from Richard's end. 'That's a real pain then!' he exclaimed.

'I thought I had to tell you, knowing that you had mentioned Harvard Clinical Institute often in the past. Were you still planning to apply for a job there?'

'I was going to until you just told me this! I appreciate you telling me. I can't believe it.'

'Well, I came up with an idea Richard.'

' Oh yeah? Well, I'm open for options, especially more so now!' Richard said with a small laugh.

'You see, I still have contact with my uncle of mine in Seoul. He worked all his life at a medical center there called ESEN. He told me that if I should lose my job ever here in the States, I could apply for a job there in Korea. He said that there were some job opportunities lately.'

Richard thanked him for the personal interest and dwelt on the information for a moment to let it sink in. 'I never had thought about going abroad in the first year of my career.'

'I know. But it gives you a chance, right?'

'It sounds like a decent option. What is the chance of me getting a job there?'

'My uncle knows someone who could help you out. Although the man is now retired, he could definitely put in a good word for you to some staff there who have an influence on the employee selection.'

'Really?'

'Yeah. You have worked hard for your degree dude and have good grades. You don’t want to be working in a burger bar for the next 5 years. I am sure you will like it in Korea, just remember some of the things I told you about it before. Since North Korea improved their human rights record, Seoul, in South Korea, has become even more appealing for expats.'

'I will give it a good think over,' Richard said. 'And sorry, I have to rest now, because I am exhausted from a BBQ we had. A shame you couldn't join us by the way. I will call you next week if I am up for it and if I would like more information about it.'

'No problem Richard. Speak to you soon buddy.'

When the chat ended, Richard thought deeply. This decision would have to be taken very wisely. The more he thought of working in a thriving part of Asia, the more appealing it got.

The next morning, Richard made breakfast and decided to find out more about Seoul and the Medical Centre and what he read about it didn't put him off.

He sent a message to his brother to meet him the next morning at 'Madison', the diner around the corner. Richard was eager to find out what his brother would think about this idea. Would he think I am mad? he thought to himself.

The next morning at the diner, Richard explained about the chance he had to go and work in Seoul, Korea. His brother was surprisingly positive about the whole idea.

'I expected you would move soon,' Andy remarked. Andy had seemingly lingered over the matter quite some time before Richard's graduation. He knew that Richard was an adventurous guy who would welcome a new challenge, so this idea to move to Seoul didn't surprise him at all.

Leaving the diner, Richard felt quite invigorated at his brother's approval, although he knew he would miss him lots if he were to leave Boston.

Richard looked at his module. A reminder appeared on the screen: ALEXANDER. GIVE HOPE FOUNDATION OPENING CEREMONY 12:45.

Richard sighed. Alexander was his uncle. He was a nice friendly type, but Richard didn't feel appealed to the political side to him. They didn't really talk much to each other.

Uncle Alexander saw foundations, trusts, and politics as the only solution to world problems. Richard just didn't see the effectiveness of it all. In fact, Richard's opinion was quite unlike the general opinion of the citizens of North America and actually unlike the majority of world citizens. Richard did understand why so many people clung to politics for security and hope, for in just over a hundred years the world had changed so much, especially the last 15 years.

Despite the dramatic changes and attempts at peace, Richard just felt like forgetting politics and was becoming fed up with the people’s enthusiasm for constant political reforms, squabbles, and refinement.

However much he disliked politics, Richard was not going to miss the opening ceremony of his uncle's newly set-up foundation. All his family would be present and a lot of national media would be there to catch the buzz around the opening of this new conception.

He had put on some smarter clothes and arrived just on time. There were some expensive cars parked on the gravel, so his own car looked very modest between the shiny beasts of machines.

He followed the red balloons up to the marble steps and he saw photographers all lined up at the bottom of the stairs looking up towards Richard’s uncle, who was wearing a bright suit with a shiny tie. He had the same figure as the balloons, Richard thought to himself. His uncle definitely was a burly figure, his rosy cheeks shining in the sunlight.

He extended his arms enthusiastically to the public, revealing the purpose of the foundation through the microphone. 'As you are all very well aware, after all, the changes, removal of corruption and the refining we have undergone, the world is more than ever in need of bright young men and women to lead the people to a safe and secure future.

The GIVE HOPE FOUNDATION will be the ultimate platform for those young ones to learn the dedication of those who have, for years, devoted much time and energy, to various charities and assistance agencies for various projects in the world.

They will be taught how to lead future projects so that the world will see that North America is intent on remaining a special union full of generous adults, instead of going back to our old-fashioned ways. This way the world will not suffer a lack of food distribution, a decent education for all and medical supplies.' The applause that followed was impressive. A sea of flashes from the reporter's cameras dazed Alexander.

Alexander smiled and invited the senator to cut the red ribbon. Now even more photos were taken.

Richard was impressed but he was not moved. What is the point in those projects anyway? he thought to himself. It was strange that he doubted the whole way things were planned, being a graduate medical student and all, he should have been genuinely motivated to support his uncle. After all, his degree was partially concerning medical supplies.

Richard felt fine about not feeling enthusiastic about the foundation, with no feelings of guilt as he just did not feel much for the GHM (Global Health Monitor).

His thoughts came to an abrupt end as he heard his uncle's voice behind him. 'Richard! What a pleasure to have you here. Please join us at the tea house in 10 minutes. The rest of your family will be there too,' he smiled.

Richard had just enough time to squeeze through Alexander's business partners to get to the sandwiches which were filled with fresh salmon and watercress.

As he entered the glass tea house he saw his family. There was a woman talking to them and she was dressed in a very expensive purple dress and as Richard approached she sensed his presence.

She turned to him and gave Richard a smile. 'So glad to meet you. You must be Richard. Your uncle talks about you so much.' Richard felt like telling her otherwise but refrained from doing so.

They shook hands and the woman introduced herself. Her name was Sophia. It wasn't difficult for Richard to work out that she was the latest girlfriend of his uncle. So you are his latest acquisition then, he thought to himself.

She had this authoritative and confident tone that annoyed Richard. His uncle's last lady friend had only lasted 6 months, but at least she had been less annoying than this Sophia. 'So where do you live Sophia? Nearby?' he inquired.

'No, Los Angeles. I will stay here until Sunday.'

'Then you have to go back to work on Monday?'

'Yeah. I work at Long Beach GHM Headquarters.'

'Oh really? Is that where you met Alexander?'

With a smile, she said, 'Yes, that is where I met your lovely uncle! I work at Public Relations and your uncle came in one day for a meeting with my team leaders.'

'Do you like working for the GHM?' asked Richard's father.

'You bet I do. And since the annual voting was instigated, a few years back, very quick progression has been made in California.'

'Must be nice living near the sea,' said Richard's mother.

'We have glorious coastlines in California and we have the quickest growing port in West USA at Port City. You will be quite amazed at the charm of the whole area.' Richard noticed the PR side to Sophia, in her advertising the area with such passion and informative ease.

'Ah, sorry about the delay.' Alexander entered the room. He went straight to Sophia and held her tight. 'This is my dear Sophia.' Whatever, Richard thought, let us first see if it lasts longer than 6 months. Alexander waved to one of his waiters and simultaneously 2 waiters came in with a trolley of champagne in buckets of ice. Just like my home, Richard chuckled to himself.

He took a few sips of the champagne and the bubbles were refreshing. The champagne had fruity tones.

Looking in the direction of Richard’s parents, Uncle Alex said, ‘Bearing in mind the anniversary of the AVC (The Annual Vote Committee) is approaching I was hoping your 2 sons wanted to join me on the big day.'

Richard and Andy were both stunned. Alexander continued, '5 others and I have been asked to promote their own trust they have set up and it will be at a special location. It will be televised live.'

A moment of silence.

'Of course!' said Alexander’s sister, Richards mother.

Richard turned to her quickly. 'Um, shouldn't we discuss this first?'

'Don't be a fool' said Sophia with a smile. 'Your uncle is being very kind in doing this.' Richard felt as if he was being treated like a child, but he didn't argue back.

'And this... special location. Are we allowed to know in advance where it is?' Richard asked.

Alexander flicked his fingers at one of the waiters and the waiter left the champagne and switched off the lights. The waiter then pressed a button on a small screen that was located next to the door. They all looked upwards in imitation of Alexander.

Then a short film started playing on the white dome ceiling of the tea house. Andy looked at his uncle in awe while Richard shook his head.

The film revealed the location of the occasion-to-be: Allen County Courthouse, Fort Wayne in Indiana! The film revealed that there would be an introductory procession of sculptures of famous and revered men and women who had helped with the stabilising of the DDP (The Diplomatic & Democratic Platform) and who had assisted it to its success in North America, since being introduced in 2032. And commencing the procession there would be a speech by Sir Thomas Kindle, head of the DDP in Canada, The USA, and Mexico. The speech would be given just outside the building itself where you could see impressive lighting showing off the marble interior.

Richard was well and truly taken aback by this.

His brother spoke up. 'Alex, this is awesome.'

Richard nodded enthusiastically and looked overwhelmed by it all.

'This is exactly what you wanted Alex,' said Alexander’s mother, so she gave Alexander a hug, simply because she knew that Alexander had worked extremely hard to reach this point.

Chapter 3

Sir Thomas Kindle. A mighty figure. A historic politician and his hair was slick and parted. He had a youthful appearance despite approaching his fifties.

He was born to be great, born in 1989 in a family of rich geniuses from West Virginia he had studied economics at university. He prematurely stopped his economic studies realising that he wanted to be someone known by the masses.

He hence studied law and after becoming mayor of Williamsburg , the ex-capital of West Virginia, at the age of 37, he moved on to join the American Monetary Institute as an advisor. He would have preferred to stay on as Mayor at Williamsburg, but the situation gave him no chance. The global monetary reforms that had commenced the year before and the landslide that Thomas saw approaching pushed him to action.

Thomas Kindle was an admirer of Stephen Zarlenger who had launched monetary reforms in the last century. Stephen Zarlenger's book, 'The Lost Science of Money' had changed Thomas' whole conception of the principle of money. Obsessed with the theme: money being a mythology and a means to power, Thomas was resolute to put his ideals to work in his function.

When Thomas discovered that he was far from the only one crying out for a more globalised monetary system, he was quick to encourage his colleagues to think very hard about the changes they would introduce to the senate and later on to the UN. The idea of monetary globalisation backed by gold had been a theory going around for decades already: Chinese and Brazilian experts had come up with similar ideas and it was not long before this new idea became a craze within the economists circles. None of them could ignore the fact the current system that stood in place had already crumbled and was kept together by one single thread.

Like an island that had been eroded and crashed upon by waters and treated cruelly by tumultuous storms, the economy was a wasteland and had almost drowned. Drained by a lack of sensible spending and failed cut-downs worldwide the economy took its final hit.

Despite good intentions of governments to collect all people under one banner, attempting a time of tolerance and justice, in 2023 recession grew in Eastern Europe apart from Poland. The European union had to be re-structured leaving the poorer, mainly southern countries feeling grounded and left to fend for themselves. The richer countries to the North and West felt fortunate. Serious internal investment in science and technology led to a temporary lapse in fear and as a result, optimism grew.

What they were not expecting was the wave to come: The people. The common people of the richer countries had grown 'consciences', albeit short-lived. Probably due to the years of uncertainty and fear of their own country's collapse the people had become more aware of the need to work together to get through difficult situations.

It was early 2025, in a slight repeat of the decade before, the poorer countries had joined in protest against the inbalance within the continent. They wanted unbroken promises. Tens of millions collectively took to the streets and after that their political leaders summoned them to refuse the treatment they were receiving by the wealthier lands.

Like a snowball getting bigger and bigger they began to stop importing goods, with embargoes and sanctions on those wealthier countries and this hit those countries hard. Despite their impressive police force they prepared to avoid the angry protests of their own people and unanimously decided it was time to talk to the North American Union, China, Japan and Australia about the rumoured plans for huge monetary improvements, using the top backing currencies. The location was top secret at the time.

Thomas was of course, invited, along with his colleagues, in that summer of 2025 and the president of the USA to the secret location, which was in the mountains of New Zealand. What would be decided during that meeting would be stamped into the history books.

After 2 weeks of progressive talks, the resolution was made to come up with a clear plan using the ideas that the economists, including Thomas Kindle had come up with. It was decided that if the UN would agree, the result of the planning would be unveiled years later in 2029. Internationalisation and globalism were becoming a reality.

Demanding information on the discussions and getting some limited answers, was enough for the media to make the conclusion that the governments had finally come up with an action plan to solve the problem of inequality, not just promises of an end to poverty.

To the common people this meant simply a way out from the divisions that had been building up and a relief from the problems that came with the recessions, namely high unemployment rates and lack of social facilities. In the hard-hit areas the citizens reacted with feasting in the streets and joy in their homes. In this turn of events, the people had become fond of this idea of relief.

2026 and 2027 were nicknamed the 'Years of Optimism'.

Feeling out of theirs rights to go against the citizens, the governments all agreed on coming together in 2029, the year that had been proposed. Thomas Kindle had been working hard to come up with a plan in close association with fellow appointed economists from other countries.

So, 2029 was the year when 'The Summit for Change' took place, each decade showing growth in cooperation and unity. The air seemed fresher. Hope was growing. Food tasted better.

Would this political pill work for long? The mass media had done their best to prove that climate change was happening and the fact was greener sustainable cities were the result.

But they wanted to see changes in society, not just nature. Even if it were a placebo Thomas hoped it would indeed prolong optimism and bring a renewed balance to the shaken world.

Chapter 4

Indiana, USA

June had approached and the hot temperatures had not fallen. The Indiana landscape was impressive, hills covering the horizon. Richard had been told to check out the lakes known to glisten, if he stayed long enough in the State.

The flight to Fort Wayne International Airport had gone smoothly.

Noticing a few kiosks, they pulled the car which they had rented over to the side of the road. There was a row of stalls and they approached the one selling hot-dogs. The aroma of the fried onions smelt fantastic in the warm sticky air.

'4 hot dogs please' requested Andy. They took their 2 hot dogs each and started munching away.

'Here!' said the voice of the man selling hot-dogs, throwing 2 cans of 7-Up to Richard and Andy.

'Nice one! Thanks!' exclaimed Richard. Free drinks! The 2 brothers were liking Indiana already even if the current heat was getting unbearable.

As they were eating, 4 long vehicles passed by. On the lorries were stands, decorations and huge billboards with the logo of the DHM on it. The last lorry had a banner on the side with the words: 'The AVC Second Anniversary. Celebrate the historic event with Sir Thomas Kindle and friends.'

After the lorries had all passed the 2 wiped their mouths with their serviette and threw them away in the bin that was almost overflowing with crushed cans.

They got into the car again and headed on their way in the direction of Fort Wayne,