MaleCoDe

By Gary Chittenden

MALECODE

A mid-sized company in Canada is about to launch a new product that will revolutionize birth control.
A megalomaniac is convinced that his way to stop overpopulation is the only way and he intends to discredit or stop the makers of Malecode. He has no bounds or barriers, no morals or sympathy for the inhabitants of Earth. He uses war and a substance that he has created to eradicate the population on a planetary scale, while gaining power and benefiting monetarily.
Freddy Campbell, a "fixer" for companies and governments steps in. Working closely with his team and the powers that be, he attempts to thwart the advances of
Vladimir, the super criminal who threatens the world.
Can he stop him before he decimates the human population?

Malecode. A story of Business, Relationships and Overpopulation, set in the near future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Feb 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9780228811800

Gary Chittenden

Gary Chittenden is a Home Designer who, with his wife, lives on a hobby farm in central Ontario, Canada. His passions are writing, classic cars, single malt and creating pencil portraits.His short story, "The Girl Who Never Was" is included with this novel.

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MALECODE

Gary Chittenden

MALECODE

Copyright © 2019 by Gary Chittenden

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Tellwell Talent

www.tellwell.ca

ISBN

978-0-2288-1179-4 (Paperback)

978-0-2288-1180-0 (eBook)

I dedicate this novel to my big Brother.

Thanks for putting up with me while we were growing up. I appreciate your help, patience and the basic work ethics that you helped me learn.

Thanks, Dave

Prologue

In the near future, Earth is threatened by overpopulation and it could very well lead to the demise of the human race.

This is the story of a medium sized company in Canada, that brought to market a natural contraceptive device for men and the man who had a different agenda, making a product that would overshadow the original.

I offer to you my story of the near future and the problems that overpopulation may present and the people who are involved.

I hope that you enjoy this story of business, relationships and a struggling world.

MALECODE

Just Dust

Chapter 1

‘Jones’

From his fifth-floor boardroom, R.J. Cunningham looked down at the street below. He watched two young women chatting in the park, with their babies, in strollers.

He smiled, remembering his mother whose father had started Jones Research, which was now R.J.’s company. The closest his mother could come to naming him after her father was by using Jones as one of his first names. He hated the commonness of it. His sister always joked that it could be worse; their last name could have been Smith instead of Cunningham. Ralph Jones Smith would sound more fake than real.

His grandfather started this company in Toronto before the so-called revolution. It was more of a reorganization of government, which began in the U.S., as it started to run the country more like a large company. This was massively popular with businesses and other countries doing business with the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It was several years later that the North American Union came into being. Changes were made to all three governments making them both more socialist, but remaining democratic. The results were similar to the Scandinavian countries and were welcomed by all.

R.J., are you in this meeting? his right-hand man, Elliot, broke his daydream and brought him back to reality. Elliot, now he had a name. Elliot Nathanial Wilkshire, the third no less, his best friend from way back.

He whispered to R.J. as they took their seats, Come on Ralph, this will be a short and productive one, then we can knock off for lunch.

The boardroom was modern, the outside wall consisted of twenty-four feet of glass with no divisions to obscure the view, interior walls, moved silently at a command to the ‘Central’ computer, to increase the area for larger groups or make it more intimate for small meetings. All walls had wireless monitor capability. The floor felt and looked carpeted, but was actually a foam-like material derived from corn stalks and milkweed. The flooring was one of the products developed by Jones Research. They were very proud of researching and developing natural products.

R.J. loved the modern room but insisted on keeping the original, antique, boardroom table that the original Ralph Jones purchased for the first boardroom, many decades ago. It was well over a hundred years old then and made of hand carved walnut, which of course is a natural product.

Everyone was filing in and sitting in their respective places. R.J. contemplated them as they took their seats.

Dave and Jan from marketing and sales, very savvy. They worked with everyone, knew everything about every product and researched the demographics until they could point a person out on the street who would be a buyer. Their marketing campaigns were second to none. Jones used to use an outside marketing firm, but the profits had skyrocketed since they brought it in-house.

R.J. smiled to himself as he watched Dave graciously accept his seat as Jan held his chair out for him. He was a good-looking guy, despite being almost clean shaven save for a mustache. He liked to be noticed and he dressed, casually, on the edge of acceptable, but pulled it off, probably because of his personality.

Jan complimented him perfectly. Where he would appear shy, she was outgoing and flirted relentlessly. She could put a quality presentation together in minutes. She went along with Dave unless he was going too far off the track.

She was perfectly dressed for her position and age, which R.J. knew was just around thirty-eight, but she looked twenty-eight and quite pretty. Shoulder length hair, no visible blouse, suit-type jacket with a neckline that plunged to below her sternum and a matching knee-length skirt with slit sides.

Leonard, head of research and development, a biochemical and an environmental engineer, who was the only one of twelve scientists and engineers who felt comfortable enough with others to explain what was what. This very learned, intelligent man looked back and forth at the chairs as if he’d forgotten his designated seat. He did that every time.

Charles Bernard, the head lawyer, only thirty-six, originally from Cuba, he worked, fought and scratched his way up until he had what he wanted. He was always impeccably dressed and in style. His new, black, hemp suit with the silk-like collar that travelled in one piece around the back of his neck and ended at the lone button at his navel and the white, buttonless shirt with the tuxedo type shadow tie under the front of the collar demonstrated that. He had a commanding presence.

Then there was Elliot. What would he do without Elliot? Elliot kept everything and everyone moving smoothly, together. Elliot sat to R.J.s’ right, where a right-hand man should sit.

The appreciation and respect he had for these people were immense.

Then, of course, there was himself. He put all of these people together. He had the final word.

No one carried papers or briefcases. Everything was on the Central /com and would appear on screen when directed, but only by those recognized by Central.

All were seated and R.J. said, Well, everyone’s smiling. Does that mean we are on schedule and that all is going well?

Elliot answered, Better than that, we’re almost ready to go to market, and directed Central. On screen, Malecode 1. The three walls came to life in startling blue with a gold MaleCoDe emblazoned across the screen two feet high, and the window automatically tinted. Central Com was the company computer. It was linked with every other com, including the North American Com and the World Com. All were made with what was called, Organic Technology. They were secure to their owners, but they were all connected and interacted with one another when needed.

Yeah, uttered Dave in hushed excitement.

The screen changed to show young lovers about to succumb to their passions when the guys’ com beeps softly. What’s that? asks his sweet teenish looking partner. He expands the floating screen, on his wrist display and answers, smiling, Time for my medication. Then he produces a puffer and inhales a shot, puts it down and goes back to the job at hand. The scene fades and the name MaleCoDe appears with a smaller "The male contraceptive device under it and the announcer says, Malecode. One puff. Once a month. An all natural, libido enhancing formula, with no side effects. 99% proven effective."

Everyone applauds.

Great! exclaimed R.J. But what’s this 99%?

Charles turned to R.J. and scolded gently in his rich baritone, R.J., you know nothing can be 100%. Some guy screws up his timing, then tries to sue us for enough to put his unwanted baby through University and buy him a house. Even though we’d be in the right and we would win, 99% is much cheaper.

And no bad press, added Elliot.

Right you are. Just testing you, answered R.J. with a shy smirk. Okay then, tell me why, once a month? Wouldn’t once a week be more profitable?"

Yes, Dave and Jan answered almost simultaneously Much more, Dave finished.

Then why are we going for the month? asked R.J..

Because, Leonard interjected, the quantity needed is so small, the least amount we can reasonably put in the puffer that fits nicely, is six.

So consumers would only be buying this product twice a year, Elliot put forth.

Would it hurt anyone, queried Jan, if they puffed more than once? I mean could they overdose?

No no no, answered Leonard, a man could puff the whole six months worth and not harm himself. But it only takes one puff to work for a month. Leonard didn’t seem to understand sales and profit.

So, conceivably, stated Dave, we can package it and market it as a weekly medication with a four week supply and sell it twelve times a year.

That’s right Davey, said Elliot but please don’t say ‘conceivably’.

What are the final figures to produce this stuff? asked R.J.

About six dollars for the product, answered Jan. But that was when there were six puffs. Now there are only four.

Regardless, it still costs four dollars to fill the puffer and the puffer costs under two, added Dave. So the cost is close to six dollars and it can sell for forty. Not a bad profit.

What about outer packaging? asked Elliot.

Too much packaging is not allowed, chided Charles. It can be sealed and boxed for the pharmacy in dozens or whatever, but sold to the public with just the seal.

Well, this has been a great meeting. Especially on a Friday morning, stated R.J.. If there is nothing else, I suggest we go for lunch and on Monday you can tell me how many we have sold.

A tittering of real laughter went across the group. No one feigned amusement. Leonard only smiled, for he had just figured out what he would do to change the puffer for the correct dosage.

R.J. returned to the window and looked down into the park. The women and their babies were gone. He wondered absently how many babies wouldn’t be born because of Malecode. This had to be a good thing. Unwanted babies could have a very rough life. There were a few other male contraceptive products on the market, but they were expensive, or not easily administered and some, unreliable. Malecode was going to be big. No doubt.

Come on Ralphy, let’s get to lunch. You’re buyin. Elliot could be such an ass, R.J. thought. ‘Ralphy’ for God’s sake.

Dave, the consummate salesman, was very happy with the outcome of the meeting and with the product in general. He already had his own puffer and was eager to prove its’ worth.

He called a business acquaintance in Europe, who he had been in touch with during the development of Malecode. Dave told him all was a go and they set up a meeting in London for the next week, with the expectation of flooding The U.K., Europe, Russia and whatever mid-east countries would allow a sperm disabling product. South America was all but sold. Dave would call his contact in Australia next. He had also been in contact with China and India.

He would spend the next few days putting together a presentation and going over the video with Jan and adding the new numbers, that Jan would have ready by the end of the day. He let Jan do all the coordinating with the bean counters and she was great with animated graphs and charts.

He could not stop smiling. "This is going to be the easiest sell of my career." He thought shaking his head almost with disbelief.

Charles was on his way to legal to go over the licensing and disclaimers etc. He would have lunch afterwards. He always dined properly and in the company of a pretty lady. He never talked business while eating.

R.J. admired Charles for this and tried it himself, but he always ended up talking business.

Right now R.J. and Elliot were seated at their usual table sipping single malt and waiting for their porterhouse steaks. Real steaks. Not the ersatz steak made from all sorts of things that were good for you, including laboratory meat, that most people thought of as real.

Elliot, that video today besides looking a little rushed, as I’m sure it was and even though it was three dimensional, didn’t quite look, you know, real enough. Kinda old. R.J. wasn’t exactly on the cutting edge of technology, but he knew if something was wrong.

Right, acknowledged Elliot, knocking back the last of the double, glad you noticed that. Remember the technology convention last month and the bit on new, holographic filming techniques?

Oh yes. R.J. had his eyes closed thinking back, I’m right. It is old.

Not as old as that handcrafted piece of nostalgia that sits in the middle of the boardroom, teased Elliot as he raised his hand to get the waiters attention.

Now I’ve told you before, that stays! R.J. exclaimed just a little too loudly for the location.

Of course R.J., but you will have to cut a hole in the middle for the hologram projector. Elliot pushed too hard sometimes.

Alright. R.J. agreed and finished off his drink as new ones arrived. He usually had no more than one hard drink at lunch and that was just to be sociable.

What!? Elliots’ surprise was evident in its’ volume and hand gesture which almost knocked the waiters tray flying.

R.J. laughed, took up his new glass and sipped slowly, taking his time to irk Elliot even more.

What? he repeated not so loudly, What? You’d cut a hole in your priceless table?

No need, R.J. sat back, drink in hand, The table is in two halves. The projector sits below until needed. When Central is commanded so, the two sides slide apart and the projector rises to table level.

You’ve thought this all out, you sly, son of a bitch. Elliot was more amused than angry, You just wanted to push my buttons.

More than you know, my friend. R.J. was stretching it out as far as possible.

What the hell does that mean? Elliot was almost standing.

Calm down Elly. R.J. was really enjoying this.

Elly? What the hell is that? Elliot was getting louder again.

Ah, he can dish it out but he can’t take it. R.J. smiled.

Okay, okay. Just tell me what you mean and I promise I won’t call you Ralphy again, ever. Elliot pleaded.

Alright. R.J. put his glass down and sat up to the table, but still took his time. When we get back I’ll show you what I mean. Now let’s just have a leisurely lunch. And I’m holding you to the Ralphy thing.

Yeah, yeah, okay no problem. Elliot agreed as their lunch was served.

Elliot was finished a full five minutes before R.J. and sat there waiting for what seemed like half an hour.

R.J. finished, put down his utensils, wiped his lips with the napkin and asked, What about dessert?

"To hell with that. Look I’ll pay, let’s go. Elliot said as he stood up and signalled the waiter to put it on his tab.

Outside, he had an electric, autonomous cab waiting at the curb as R.J. came out of the door. Your’ chariot awaits without, Elliot stated as he ushered R.J. in.

Without what? asked R.J.

Without a driver, by the look of it, Elliot said, acting more like himself.

They rode in relative silence except for the drumming of Elliots’ fingers on the armrest. Dave’s off to London next week. Wanna go?

Can’t, answered R.J. Joyce and I are going glacier skiing in B.C..

Skiing? You’re a little old for that aren’t you? said Elliot.

Hey, I’m not even seventy yet. R.J. bristled. Besides, the glaciers are a lot smaller these days.

They arrived at Jones Research as Charles was leaving for lunch. A stunningly beautiful girl standing, seductively beside a private car waited patiently for him. The smile on her face grew larger as he got closer. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly as they touched hands.

Was that a smile? asked Elliot

Almost, answered R.J. She must be something.

They rode the elevator to the fifth floor, a trip that took under six seconds. Although the elevator was fast, there was no feeling of movement. As they walked through the doors to the boardroom, Jan came up behind them.

Hey, Jan. What’s up? asked Elliot.

I just wanted to check the new charts and video on the wall screens. My little office only has a metre screen. She sounded like she was kidding, but she wasn’t.

No problem Jan. Come right in. There’s something I’d like to share with you. R.J. stood back and let her go ahead.

The wall screens were going through a slideshow with portraits of the founder and R.J. as well as the products that Jones had produced. R.J.s son, Bill, had done the portraits and they were quite lifelike even though two dimensional.

They walked into the room and R.J. stopped them two metres from the board table, with his hands on their shoulders Central, R.J. commanded, Hologram, Rolling Stones.

The table separated and an exact walnut leaf, with a two-foot circular hole in the centre, rose up to the level of the table top. Instantly there appeared the Rolling Stones from their last performance and one of the first, entertainment holograms, filmed live over fifty years ago.

That’s amazing! exclaimed Elliot.

What, that I am so into new technology? smiled R.J.

No, because your’ the only man in the world who has an antique hologram. Elliot threw up his hands.

Jans’ jaw dropped and you could see her mind working out ways to use the holoscreen. Can we get the recording equipment for this? She leaned in close and swept her hand through the projection.

It’s on order, stated R.J. as is the new equipment for your’ office.

Ooo, R.J. you’re the best! she stood on her toes and kissed him on the cheek.

Ooo, he quipped, if I knew I’d get sugar, I would have ordered it a long time ago.

The way she smiled at him made him wonder if he’d gone too far.

Now we’ll be right up there with the big advertising agencies, said Jan, with a big smile on her face, while she checked out her presentation on the wall screen.

Elliot was sitting by the holo images tapping his fingers and murmuring do do da do do, brown sugar.

Charles was still smiling. Rebecca had matched him forkful for forkful and now she was eating chocolate cake.

Are you coming out on the boat next week Chuck? she asked pleading with her eyes.

His smile widened. No one called him Chuck. His name was Charles, but somehow it sounded right when she said it. He knew she was teasing. He’d tease her later. No, I have to go to London on Tuesday.

Charles never talked business while he dined but it was hard not to think about it, Even with Rebecca sitting across from him. Malecode. He hated the name but polling proved it would be effective. This was Jones Researches’ first foray into something close to pharmaceuticals. He had to get his team to look into a few more legal ‘books’ to make sure all was covered. Actually, all they did was check with Central Com. It had all the answers, but he liked to check some things himself. Not as much as he had to do when Jones first started to produce some of the things they researched. Up until seven years ago they only worked for other companies. Now they were capable of doing most things, they took on, ‘in-house’. He shook his head. Rebecca was saying something about going with him. He quickly put a stop to that idea. As beautiful as Rebecca was, there was Cynthia in London who was equally as beautiful. His smile returned and Rebecca smiled back unaware that he was thinking of Cynthia.

Leonard was working on the new puffer. It was more ergonomic than the asthma type, of the past. It was designed not only so that there would be no mistake as to what it was that you were inhaling, but for slick branding. It was shaped such that it was almost like giving it a kiss. Leonard also insisted that it be smaller, at least on the inside, so that four hits were all that it would hold. There, he thought out loud, now they’re saving two dollars a unit. Leonard clued into the profit theory, but mostly he didn’t like waste and the old puffer was too big.

He glanced at the time display on the wall screen, automatically opened the refrigerator, pulled out a container labelled FV-60- OK. FV-60 was a new vegetable-fruit spread that was approved for consumption, hence the OK, but needed further development for colour and texture. He picked up a knife from the lab bench, checked it out visually and decided it was clean. Taking two slices of whole wheat bread from its’ container, he popped the top on the V-60 and spread a fairly thick orangey-green coating on the bread. When at work, Leonard didn’t usually eat for pleasure but for nourishment, although V-60 was very tasty.

V-60, or Freggie Spread as everyone in R&D called it, was a big deal. Even though it would be ‘farmed out’ to other manufacturers, it would still bring millions of dollars into Jones.

But, compared to Malecode, geeze, he hated that name, Freggie Spread was nothing. Malecode would bring in billions in its’ first year. Billions and he would still make the same salary. Sure he’d get a bonus and his salary was very large, but who did all the work, or oversaw it, controlled it. He loved being in control. He didn’t necessarily get the projects he wanted to do, but he was in control and made things work. He had no real friends. No one he went out for a drink with or to a game, but he had loyal comrades at work who respected and admired him. And, work was everything to him.

Leonard lived by himself in a modest bungalow in a modest neighbourhood and owned a modest vehicle. He had lived there for about six years and before that had stayed in a modest apartment and took public transit. He still took buses and cabs most of the time as it was hard to concentrate on new product research while he was trying to operate a car, or watch in self-drive mode, to make sure that it was going the right way. He wasn`t comfortable, letting the car drive itself. As he bit into the Freggie sandwich, Lois caught his attention and shyly ‘finger waved’ at him. He blushed as he wiped orangey-green ooze from the corner of his mouth. What did she want? He wondered. Why did she go out of her way to say hello and act so silly? Is she flirting? he thought. He liked her and enjoyed being around her, but he thought that was because she was so intelligent and they agreed on most everything. Maybe they liked each other....... differently? Oh well, couldn’t think about it now. He had to make sure everything was ready for London. He was looking forward to the meeting in London, which he would be attending.

Lenny! How’s that puffer coming? queried Elliot a little louder than necessary.

Leonard jumped a little as he turned toward the sudden outburst, breaking his train of thought.

Oh, sorry Leonard, Elliot apologized, I didn’t know you were eating. Good Life! What the hell is climbing out of your’ sandwich? " Elliot picked up the ‘Freggie spread’ and answered his own question.

Leonard held up his hand to show Elliot that he needed a moment to swallow. Done, he managed to say as he choked down a not quite chewed enough mouthful. He held up the puffer.

That’s great! Elliot said as he took it from him and admired the shape and feel. Leonard, you’re a wonder. This is slick.

Leonard smiled and blushed again, putting down the half-eaten sandwich he said very softly, Thanks, Elliot. It’s smaller inside too. Only holds the required four hits. You should be able to knock two bucks off the product and another eighteen cents off the puffer cost, as well

Eighteen cents ain’t much, but you multiply that by millions and you’ve got a substantial bonus coming, he stated, with his hand on Leonards’ shoulder.

"Yeah," thought Leonard, a substantial bonus. I’ll need it.

Dave checked with his secretary to make sure all the tickets and accommodation for London were in order. He was just stepping out of the elevator at the main R&D level when Elliot and Leonard came towards him. Davey, Elliot called, holding up the puffer, look what Leonard has made for us!

Already? Leonard, you are ‘The Guy’, Dave complemented as he snatched the puffer from Elliots` teasing grasp. Beautiful. He feigned taking a puff.

And get this, Elliot said, he’s got it down to four hits as well.

Geeze. What’s slicker, asked Dave, the puffer or Leonard?

"Leonard is," thought Leonard with a little smirk.

Leonard veered off from the trio and disappeared through a door without a ‘good day’ or ‘see ya later’. He had to check on other research and then he thought he’d ask Lois’s opinion on a few things.

Dave and Elliot only noticed he was gone when they reached the elevator. They both stopped talking and looked around expecting to see Leonard. They looked at each other and broke out laughing. He is slick isn’t he? laughed Dave. They chuckled all the way up to R.J.’s office. It wasn’t a long ride and they were still smiling as they walked into the outer office, where R.J. was talking with his secretary.

"Are you two that happy to see me?’ he asked, contagiously catching their smiles and good humour.

Yeah, we’re happy to see you, answered Elliot extending his hand. R.J. held out his hand expecting a firm handshake and congratulations on a great project, but instead, Elliot pressed something into his palm. What the.., R.J. exclaimed pulling back his hand with the new puffer in it. His smile returned as he held it up closer to his face. Beautiful, he said softly and admiringly. Leonard, right?

Of course, said Dave. and he’s got it down to four puffs!

"That man is slick, stated R.J. to which the other two broke up. How long did that take him, from the time the meeting broke up ‘till, when, half an hour ago? That’s like, three and a half hours!" he said amazed.

Aw, he had the unit made already. All he had to do was re-size it, and calibrate the internal bladder to hold four hits instead of six, said Dave offhandedly.

Is that all he had to do? It would’ve taken a normal man two days, said R.J. There’s a bladder in here? he asked holding it up once again.

I have no idea, admitted Dave, but it sounded good.

Always the salesman. Full of bull, said Elliot, slapping him on the back.

If you’re finished ogling that, I should get it to Jan so she can use it in her new presentation material. He took it from R.J., tossed it into the air, turned around and caught it behind his back.

Careful Davey, that’s worth millions, Elliot called after him.

More like a billion anyway, Dave said waving it over his head as he left the room.

Could be, said R.J., softly. It’s going to be hard to top this. As he thought of his statement, sadness came over him. Is this it? Is this the high water mark? Will Jones Research and Development be known as The male contraceptive company? Will everything else we’ve done and will do, not be noteworthy?

Ralph! said Elliot, grabbing R.J. by the shoulders and looking him in the eye, you’re off in dreamland again. Must be something that happens when you get old.

Yeah, Yeah, R.J. said softly, maybe.

What? No quick comeback? Ralph, you’d better get on that little holiday right away, joked Elliot, but with a little concern. See you in a fortnight or whatever you old guys call two weeks, he said with a wave as he headed for the elevator. ‘Maybe I’d better take it easy on the old guy’, he thought, but in the back of his mind was, ‘he’s only four years older than I am.’

‘He’s right!’ R.J. said to himself, ‘I’ve gotta snap outa this. I’m going skiing with my young wife, and I’m going to party like I’m sixty. I’ll check on the London meeting on Thursday afternoon and that will be all the business I do from now ‘til then.’ Good day, Janine, he smiled at his secretary, you know how to get in touch with me in case of an emergency. He almost went to his office to update his com with all the projects Jones was working on, but corrected his direction on the second step, spun around and walked smartly