Courage to Stand

By K. J. Kantor

Mid-2024 political storms are more intense than ever due to the nation's previous elections and legislative actions by a few states. The Constitution has set enduring rules of the game and fostered a complex form of majority rule with a careful balance of power.

 

Torin Chorale returned from a military conflict, injured physically and emotionally. He intends to start a family and focus on clients who require his expertise in cybersecurity. Partisan political propaganda scratches his reality.

 

Surprise presidential candidate, Wolfrick Johnn has been driven from a young age to play the game of politics in the muck. Unyielding, with a winner take all attitude, he intends to capture the 2024 Presidential election. Johnn will pull all the recently exposed levers of power to circumvent the will of the voters.

 

What if the rules are ignored? Even if proof were to exist of Johnn's election scheme, what can one person do to save the democratic republic from autocracy? Can Torin form a cyber-team to overcome disinformation and alert the people to Johnn's election cheat? Who will have the courage to stand up to those seizing authoritarian power?

• Language: English
• Publisher: K. J. Kantor
• Release date: Feb 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798201324520

K. J. Kantor

K. J. Kantor is a retired cybersecurity manager, who provided engineered solutions to government and Fortune 500 companies thoughout his career. His travel and life experiences gave him a broad perspective of our dynamic society. Through writing, he hopes to create greater psychological flexibility and perspective. 

Book preview

Prologue

For the first time in American history, the loser of a free and fair election decided not to transfer power and responsibility peacefully. Fortunately for the nation, the President’s scheme was not completely thought out. After numerous re-counts and independent judgements no evidence of election fraud was produced. The President appealed for an uprising at The Capitol. In the end, he vacated the oval office without fanfare. Our democratic constitutional republic survived an insurrection, storming, and looting of its ‘people’s house’ on the day the electoral college votes were ceremonially accepted. There were two and a half months of consternation between ballots being cast and a new President taking his oath of office.

The country remains divided. The country remains mixed. The country remains strong. All people want the best for their children and what the Constitution promised—freedom and equality. Peoples’ fear of losing personal liberties remains for different reasons within. Half the people believe that the federal government is too large and oversteps its bounds. The other half believe that individual human rights, privacy, and equality are in jeopardy. Ben Franklin advised us that justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.

Both aspects of the political debate have one thing in common, personal integrity. People of all persuasions work hard and love hard. They want the best for their families. Neither side would allow a leader who cheats or lies to gain government office, advance a policy, or scam the American people. We all seek and cherish truth over deception.

After the insurrection, the embers on the path to power glow like a smoldering signal fire. The elements of how to evade the will of the people were exposed. Circumventing the historically proven Constitutional election process became clear. Any presidential nominee may now move unlocked levers or push unsecured buttons to ascend past the required 270 electoral college count.

People have only enjoyed individual liberties for a brief period. For centuries tribal chiefs, kings, dictators, or autocrats have singly dominated their dominions. People consistently tried to establish sustainable representative forms of governance, only to lose it. Merely thirty-four out of 195 nations have an open democracy or democratic republic, and that quantity has declined over the last ten years. Only 13% of us experience individual rights, the rule of law, and the freedom to vote.

Personal liberties are wasted when a foremost executive takes advantage of a system to develop profits for himself to the detriment of the larger community. Liberty and democracy are fragile. Democratic structures are exposed and vulnerable.

With all the emotional lineage, the presidential election of 2024 is upon us. Mr. Wolfrick Johnn intends to win, otherwise he would not spend his considerable political capital and fortune on the Presidency. He knows how to take advantage of the new cracks in the process. If the system remains broken or ordinary people remain apathetic, how can our democracy survive and not fall into authoritarianism? No one person can stop Johnn’s ruse and change the results. People must come together for all to retain their freedoms.

An everyday person, Torin Chorale, is dispirited by crude politicians and government. He simply works to survive. Still not recovered emotionally or physically from an attack while deployed, he stumbles without objectives or people of integrity to nourish his life. Can Torin and others risk their savings and reputations against apparent election fraud? This is a story of a few Americans who risk all to save the opportunity of democracy for everyone.

THIS BOOK IS A WORK of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents in this book are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1

Sunday, August 11, 2024

86 days until election day

An Eastern Bluebird warbles a three-note song near the open bedroom window as sunlight cheers the taller oak and maple trees. East coast summers are hot and humid but leave the morning scrumptious. Leaves abound on the prevalent shade trees between the suburban homes of lawyers, military advisors, political pundits, and supporting professionals performing in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metroplex.

Most households in this growing region are starting to focus on the election buzz. Most people in these communities have their careers or project funding at stake whenever political storms blow. However, not everybody cares—they just want to perform in their job.

They’re usually paired up, male and female, Torin says softly to Kira as he gazes out their bedroom window.

Who are? What are you talking about this crazy-early in the morning? Kira yawns, stretches her long, tanned arms above the rumpled bedcovers. She brushes a hand through her long brown hair, forcing out a tangle.

Eastern Bluebirds.... How’s your presentation coming along? Torin is up, sitting on the bed. He inhales the freshness of the room’s night air. Shadows are fading to the richer colors of their bedroom and his wife is stirring. He remembers to reach into his dresser drawer, grab a pair of workout socks, and toss them into his open carry-on bag on the chair.

Chani wags her long tail, makes an instinctive burst at the tumbling socks before stopping, prudently. Instead, she skips over to nuzzle Torin and licks the scar on his leg. Torin rubs the deep gray and white fur on the husky’s back.

I think you like bluebirds because they want to match the color of your eyes. Hey, you were tossing and turning last night. You okay? Kira asks. She understands that Tory has survived a lot and wants to keep his traumatized body and mind on the track to recovery.

I’m good....

You need to tell me when somethings not....

I’ve survived college. Survived, miraculously, my stint in the service. And I’m trying to survive the company’s mismanagement. So, I didn’t want you to overreact....

Kira promptly rises onto one elbow, her chest swells. Overreact? Tory, that’s my job! I know what you’ve come through, both physically and emotionally. I’m here to help you.

Torin caresses her bare shoulder with a strong lean hand. Okay, so, how’s your presentation coming along?

Oh...its good.... The topic is complex, and it’s as done as it’s gonna get, I think. It’s about disinformation and my thesis sentence is: All our truths, all our lies, may be hidden, later to be found. Other presenters are spouting about media companies protecting their brand instead of reporting the truth. You know, saying, viewers don’t care if it’s right, they just want their side to look strong or be winners.

The Egyptian-cotton bedcover with vibrant Bohemian pattern barely grasps the bottom of their king bed. Kira kicks it and the satin sheet from her body. She reaches across for her husband.

Ahh, it sounds interesting. And that’s true, unless I’m the one doing the hiding, Torin smiles.

Ha, that’s why I married you. But I thought you were only good at finding things that other people bury. Kira moves close and clasps her arms around her husband’s waist. He smoothly stretches his bones next to her and squeezes her to him.

Kira tilts her face toward Torin’s. Her smile, warm and more precious to him than anything, matches the sunlight crashing onto the krypton blue walls. Lying this close is intoxicating to both. Torin feels the soft exhalation of her gasp against his neck, and her silky sweep of hair as it straggles alongside his arm. Her eyes are the dusky earth he remembers, a bright, bottomless chocolate that keeps him committed. She reminds him of what it feels like to hope.

Her soft voice skims his senses with pleasurable waves, in synch, like hiking a high trail together after sunrise. Kira’s gaze slides to his mouth, the hollow of his cheek, and up to his earlobe. Moving back down to his neck, she sucks his skin, gently tattooing him for the day.

A fresh breeze and birds’ songs mix with the couple’s pleasure. Bathed in perfect morning sunlight, the king bed rarely divulges secrets.

...HEY, DON’T WORRY ABOUT it, I know that you’re stressed and on your way to another project. Kira runs her fingers across his light chest hair while her head rests on his right shoulder. The bed sheet has found its way back up to their waists. The sun, not conceding, is bright.

I just.... Torin’s voice is low and hoarse.

No, it’s.... you’re past all that.... you’re okay, that attack wasn’t your fault, Kira touches Torin’s cheek and he slowly raises his head to her. She stares into his teary eyes, willing him to return to his genuine confidence. She kisses his lips lovingly.

Yeah, I know, the memory of that day comes back...and my body doesn’t ....

Kira kisses him again, hey, you’re getting better every day....

Torin sits up and turns her over in a strong, easy motion. He nuzzles her brown hair, hums a tune.

...I like that song. And you can never remember the words....

Torin kicks away the sheet to expose his wife’s fine body again and rolls her onto her stomach. His dedicated hands press deep onto her back and along her thighs. She purrs.

At least I can still do this, he misremembers his losses.

...THAT WAS NICE.... I’VE got something for you, Kira slides up toward her nightstand and draws out a black satin gift bag.

Oh, no, I’m obviously not.... Torin covers himself.

Here, this is for you. For on your so-called business trips, Kira, grinning, hands him the bag.

Torin opens it, wow, where do I put this, around my d....

No, Tory, around your wrist, I heard that it helps with relaxation and, you know, stuff.... Kira explains, taking the silver and myrtle wood chain back and placing it on his left wrist. Besides, after that, well, I owe you lot more....

Ha, yeah, however I’ve gotta catch a flight.... Torin gets up.

Are you still thinking about another company? Or is there an opportunity for a leadership position where you are? Kira wonders aloud.

Right now, I’m thinking of helping my client then getting home and you...

Kira’s brown eyes sparkle.

There are other guys, and women, with big accounts, and they’re better at schmoozing the executives than I am, Torin starts to head for the shower. When I get back from Houston next week, I’d appreciate your advice on a couple of business relationship matters ....

Yeah, of course. Those other people are tight with an executive. You never liked trading your integrity for politics, she throws a pillow at him as he quickly steps in and closes the master bathroom door.

THAT EVENING IN HIS Houston hotel room, Torin relaxes by preparing for his work tomorrow morning. The standard business suite with standard gray wall coverings, king bed, tiny refrigerator, and work desk is all that he needs. He arranges the drapes and calls his Cybersecurity Software Lead Engineer. Okay, Jimmy, we’ve deployed your software on the State’s server network. Bring me up to speed on the intrusive anomalies, executables, or files that we should expect to uncover. Let’s really show off our capabilities here.

Oh, Tory, you thought I made it all too easy? This was a fast-track skunk program, remember? No. Here’s what I need you to do.... Jimmy explains the non-user-friendly interface and workarounds that Torin needs to perform tomorrow at the client site.

...got it. It’ll be interesting to see what new anomalies we find on the State’s information networks, Torin says. I appreciate your effort on this, your programs are easier than a lot of the commercial software programs. Hey, anything new at corporate I should know about?

Snake pits. Too much going on. It’s an extreme zoo at the office. You’re smart to be out of the office like usual, Jimmy answers.

Yeah, this company.... somedays it seems.... Torin agrees.

You know that there is talk of an acquisition by a large conglomerate, and get this, the conglomerate is owned by none other than Wolfrick Johnn, Jimmy shares.

Is that the guy who just got the party nomination? Sorry, I can’t keep up with all the elites....

Johnn is an authoritarian leader who has developed an offbeat following while owning consumer and service companies. Johnn follows his own autocratic playbook with propaganda and under-the-table deals. His holdover supporters and his conglomerate are unlike anything we’ve seen before, Jimmy rambles.

Again, I won’t say I don’t care but he’s not in an elected position now and we’ve got work to do, Torin focuses. He looks out his third-floor hotel window towards the west and watches a small flock of birds fly away from gathering clouds.

I agree 1000%. I’ve got to prepare for a management meeting anyway. You good with the software? Jimmy concludes.

Yes, thanks, I’ll be here the rest of the week and I’ll send you feedback over the secure link when I have a chance. As you know, the State of Texas discourages communications while on site. Have a good night, Jimmy, Torin yawns.

Chapter 2

Monday, August 12, 2024

Torin taps his pocket to make sure he has his ID. He re-opens his backpack, checks for anything that may be considered a security risk. No more mistakes, he reminds himself. One more moment in his rental car to feel the warmth of the sun before it is swallowed by the approaching cloud deck. Torin fingers his new chain, rotates it around his wrist. He checks his pockets one more time.

Torin half-listens to a 7:30am news broadcast: ...unexpectedly, the Wolfrick Johnn Presidential candidacy receives a major boost today from a global security and aerospace company....

Here we go again! Torin kills the engine and the patter from the radio with a swift middle finger poke to the Engine Start/Stop button. Distant lightning and thunder to the north trigger unforgettable memories of when bangs and flashes were not his mates. He fondles a small pillbox in his pocket.

The humidity of south Texas smacks him as he unfolds himself from the driver’s seat. Torin performs a brief power pose, straightens his collared company-logoed gray shirt. He remembers Jimmy’s comments about the management disruption at headquarters, then he remembers to grab the small offering for the client’s project engineer—not the Balcones Texas Bourbon the engineer extolled but it will have to do.

Torin limps toward the squat brick building which offers no signs announcing its owner, occupants, or purpose. The only windows are on the second floor. Large HVAC units flank one side, strenuously exchange air for noise. The door is opaque, tempered glass and steel. Two security cameras scrutinize the entrance. A tarnished metal box presents a keypad, card-reader, microphone, speaker, and a single red button as the method of admission to the building.

Inside at the security desk, the screen displays an image of a thirtyish, man with the top of his head chopped, may I help you? a terse voice routinely responds to a chime, before looking at her screen.

Good morning, this is Torin Chorale with.... The door buzzes, implores it to be opened, before he can finish announcing himself. Torin is expected again this morning. He walks in and begins to follow the security procedures.

Good day, Mr. Chorale. Right on time. The uniformed, withered woman pushes a pen and visitor log towards Torin. Five more weeks then I won’t have to worry about kids knocking on that door. Gonna retire and live with my daughter.

Oh, good for you and congratulations, Torin says, you’ve always treated people from our company right.

Only because you follow the security rules. Jackals don’t.... the woman mumbles, sits and returns to examine paper forms and computer screens.

The building is larger on the inside. High-tech computers, communication displays, printers, and black box devices haunt every room. Fans hum 24/7. Scents of ozone and cleaning fluid invade his nostrils. All this is hidden from public view to improve the State’s ability to manage its own affairs—election security, official communications, and documents. The large ground-level space is a mix of ancient and modern technology to facilitate database operations, security, safety, and fire protection systems.

After a short, escorted walk, Torin arrives at the State Project Office. Good morning, Chorale, how ya doin? Geremiah, the Project Engineer in the Information Security Department for the State of Texas greets him.

Good morning. I’m glad not to be a jackal. Thanks for allowing us to install that new software program. I’m going to review the results.... Torin wastes no time.

Geremiah’s quizzical look at his computer screen and turns to Torin, Sure, man, did you see the melee coming out of Wolfy Johnn’s political rally? This is dynamite! I cannot believe this guy is putting all this out there. He’s just been nominated and he’s trying to declare executive orders before he’s in office, Geremiah sprays onto his own computer screen.

Torin examines a model diesel engine on Geremiah’s desk, c’mon, I don’t even want to try and understand any of their BS. Why can’t they....

Seriously? Geremiah challenges, I think the people are just trying to carve out their own community with their own principles—just trying to be very socially and fiscally conservative.

I believe in live and let live.... Torin says.

...and the pursuit of... Geremiah looks around and laughs.

Don’t even say it. The walls have ears, Torin cautions him.

Yeah, yeah. We’re looking past all the lying from the former guy. This better be a fair election this time. People are really excited about Wolfy. He’s got a strong approach, Geremiah leans back in his desk chair.

He’s.... does this community you refer to really understand what will happen if an authoritarian government is installed? If he eliminates or privatizes services? I doubt it. That community that you believe in would lose many of their rights and opportunities they currently have. I don’t know, Johnn’s methods seem out of touch, Torin asks.

Geremiah swivels back in his chair and shuffles through open tabs on his computer screen. He leans away from the keyboard and pops open a can of Mountain Dew. It sprays against the beige acoustic partition. Finding what he’s looking for on the web, well, he can’t be as bad as the former guy. This is what Mr. Wolfrick Johnn wants to do, he reads from a social media platform, undocumented immigrants will be sent back to whatever expletive deleted country they came from or to sanctuary cities without use of federal funds....

Geremiah, why not fix the immigration laws and processes? Millions of people are here desperately waiting for the system of judges to approve their paperwork.... Torin offers.

...but it solves the immediate problem of caravans of unwanted people carrying diseases into America, Geremiah replies.

It doesn’t fix the root cause. Immigration is a problem that both parties have ignored and kicked down the road for years, blaming the other party. Oh, and go back and read rule number one, Torin puts his cellphone ringer on silent mode for the day.

Rule number one? Geremiah frowns at Torin.

Don’t believe everything you see on the internet!

What?

Caravans, diseases, come on.... Congress should just fix the immigration problem. You seem to know a lot about Johnn. Torin sits down in a green vinyl, metal chair and starts to open his pack.

Well, the people down here believe he’s a straight shooter. We don’t respect insiders, deep staters, or cheaters, you know that! Geremiah points three fingers then continues to read from posts about the commitments Johnn made during his latest rally.

Geremiah takes a swig of cold caffeine before reading the final political