Chapter 7    Antagonism Develops – A Time for Action

Spring 2016

The following Saturday, Matteo and his friends were to meet again for their informal get-together. This time, Anzio had invited two of his associates at the Office of Defense and Security, or ODS, as they called it. New issues were developing, which Anzio thought his friends should know about. The group of six shared small talk and morning beverages. After breakfast, they retired to the adjacent lounge, which offered more privacy and more comfortable seating. Complementary coffee and tea, along with a fruit plate, were served as the men opened their notebooks and lit up the screens of their tablets.

Anzio's two associates were agents with the ODS who worked in a specialized department known as The Office of Defense and Security Intelligence Division, or ODSID, as it was known. Anzio's three friends had met them at previous meetings. Both were middle-aged, experienced intelligence officers who always appeared somber, with a no-nonsense demeanor. They had that Eastern European appearance that reminded one of spy movie characters.

Vlad Koratov and Mikhail Vorst were senior intelligence gatherers with many years of experience. They had helped to build the reputation of the ODSID as being one of the top Intel operations in Europe. Over the years, the Banking Council had approved funding for the best Intel equipment available and other necessary expenses that ODSID needed to operate. There was no cutting of corners when it came to ODSID or its sister agency, ODSERD, the Office of Defense and Security Experimental Research Division, where Anzio served as Chief Technical Advisor, as well as holding the title of Director of ODS.

The Banking Council recognized that establishing a world-class Intel Service and Experimental Research Division would be a prudent investment, as the intel and advanced defense systems could be sold to countries seeking to gain an edge over adversaries. Such information and equipment could also be used as a bargaining chip to gain leverage in large and lucrative investment deals.

These two Divisions of ODS regularly consumed over half the budget that the Banking Council allocated for all the expenses associated with the operation of the entire commune. The Bankers did not question the considerable expense, as over the years their global investment portfolio had swollen to trillions of euros, thanks to their policy of re-investing profits. They had plenty of food in the pantry to feed the ODS. After all, the defense and security of Cellinara and what it stood for were also an investment, and a particularly important one.

The two agents riffled through some papers, and then Mikhail turned to Vlad and nodded. "I am ready whenever you are, Vlad," he said.

Vlad began. "Gentlemen, we have credible evidence that has been gathered over the past fifteen months that suggests a large protest of sorts is being organized outside our community that has as its objective the disruption of activities here in Cellinara. We obtained some of this intel from friendly Intel sources who have been watching similar groups, and some intel came from inside sources who became opposed to the plan and leaked details to others either inadvertently or intentionally.

"These leaked details eventually were picked up by intel snoops and acted upon. After we were notified by the friendly intel sources, we planted a few of our own people in the group. We have gained valuable intel from these plants." Vlad paused and took a sip of coffee.

"Is it this leftist/Marxist craziness that these kids like to cling to when they become restless?" asked Ernesto, who harbored a visceral dislike for leftists in general.

Joseph blurted out, sounding a bit angry. "Wait! We do not allow protests in Cellinara. We have not issued any permits for protests since the 60s, when the university kids here in Cellinara began to act like zoo animals instead of protesters. What do you mean by 'protesters'? They are not allowed here. No one has even attempted to ask for permission to my knowledge. Matteo, have you talked to anyone about them wanting to come here?" he asked as he turned to Matteo.

Matteo replied, "No. But this does not sound like a protest. Protest groups do not spend fifteen months preparing for a protest. This sounds like something else." His attention turned back to the agents sitting across from him.

Mikhail began to speak. "Matteo is right. This appears to be more than just preparation for a protest. Allow me to explain," he said in a measured tone with a slight hint of a speech impediment. "The face of the protest group, and I use the term protest group for lack of a more accurate term at this point, is several students, probably near 1000 in number, who have organized themselves into a kind of radical leftist activist clan spread over several campuses. The group we are tracking is a chapter of this clan at Bologna, but there are other chapters in other universities around Verona, Milan, and Padua. They call themselves 'Our Vision.'

"Of course, groups such as this need a funding source to meet expenses. We know this Bologna chapter is sourcing its funds from a pool of donors who form a group known as Wellspring, which poses as a pawn shop operation. But it is not a pawn shop. The shop sells small items that you would typically find in a pawn shop, such as jewelry, electronics, tools, collectibles, and other typical pawn shop items.

"But the shop gets its inventory from 'donations' which, it turns out, come from the CIA-backed group that calls itself Christians wanting to help those in need. Of course, donations incur no costs, so all sales revenue is pure profit that Wellspring channels to the 'protest' groups. Wellspring, of course, was set up by the 'donors' at the CIA. We have evidence that is the case." Mikhail paused to sip coffee and take a piece of fruit.

Matteo sighed and moaned so heavily that the whole group could hear him. He sat with his hands cupping his face cheeks, his fingers fidgeting with his wavy black hair. "The CIA! "he exclaimed in an exasperated tone, then looked around. "The CIA is funding and directing a large protest, or whatever it is, for the purpose of coming to Cellinara with the intention of disrupting our community?" Matteo directed his attention to the two agents once again. "This will not be a protest!" he added excitedly, looking around to his friends.

Matteo once again addressed the agents. "This sounds like an attack on our city. What other information have you found out about this 'protest'? What exactly are they supposedly protesting against? You would think a protest would originate due to something that irks someone inside the community. They are not from here. What would they have to protest about?"

"Exactly," added Ernesto. "This sounds like an attack, not a protest. Have you found a reason they would want to come here to cause mayhem?" he asked the agent.

Vlad began to speak. "Mikhail, I will reply to this. Gentlemen, plans are being made for a large group to visit Cellinara to protest the resolutions from the Judges Council, specifically those concerning the Unity Project and the recent genetic restriction resolutions. We believe the Unity Project was the trigger that set off this group.

"We feel that way because the genetic restrictions are very recent, while the Unity Project happened around eighteen months ago. So, we concluded that the idea of cultural homogeneity, for some reason, has been the trigger. We can justify our conclusion by considering that the concept of cultural homogeneity is anathema to global anti-sovereignty forces.

"After researching the basic tenets of Marxism and similar anti-capitalist and anti-democratic ideologies and the tactics they use to battle against their adversaries, we have concluded that the global anti-sovereign forces are expecting that the enforcement of this cultural homogeneity policy will send a motivational cue to other societies to follow similar policies. You know, of course, the strategy of the anti-sovereignty club is to cause disruption and mayhem in the social order. It is rule #1 in their handbook. Disrupted social orders cause confusion and divisiveness, bringing eventual degradation to the social order." Vlad paused, sipping coffee.

Joseph looked around at the facial expressions of his friends. He sensed they were all having the same stunned reaction to the surreal stream of implications that was filling their minds.

Vlad continued. "Our policy of cultural homogeneity is the direct opposite of what they are trying to accomplish in their insidious plan to bring down the West. The anti-sovereignty club recognizes that Cellinara has significant influence and garners considerable attention worldwide, thanks to our distinctive admission and governance system, as well as our rapid growth and economic success.

"They simply cannot fathom the possibility of other societies adopting our way of doing things. They perceive this policy of cultural homogeneity as an existential threat to their agenda. This 'protest,' gentlemen, is being designed to cause major disruption to our city and to our system. We are convinced of this." Vlad paused and turned to Mikhail while reaching for his cup. "Mikhail, you have more on this subject, right?"

Mikhail lifted papers from the desk and referred to them as he began to speak. "We have convincing evidence this 'protest' group will include several trained anti-sovereignty radicals that will be leading the pack, so to speak. We also know that some participants of this group will be supplied with incendiary devices and small arms, which are to be concealed in backpacks they will be wearing, furthermore..." Joseph interrupted Mikhail with an exasperated outburst.

"Hold on, wait a minute!" Joseph blurted out. "Have you confirmed all this? How sure are you that this information is accurate? This sounds like a serious threat you are describing," he said while noticing the frozen expressions on the faces of Matteo and Ernesto.

Vlad chimed in, wanting to respond to Joseph's outburst. "Gentlemen, we would not voice any conclusions or professional opinions unless we are close to being 100% certain that our intel is solid. What we are presenting to you is the result of many painstaking hours of analysis and confirmation procedures. We also have corroborating reports from other friendly intel agencies that share intel with us." He took a deep breath as if to shake off the frustration that Joseph's comments had created in him.

"Gentlemen," Vlad continued. "We have devoted much time and resources to this particular investigation. We ask that you accept this information as having a high level of credibility and accuracy."

"Let me just continue," Mikhail said, referring to another set of notes. "We believe the pack of 'protesters' knows the locations of our CCTV surveillance equipment that has been placed at various points at the perimeter of our city. We have spotted suspicious parked or slow-moving vans near the perimeter locations of the equipment. The vans displayed antennae on the roof, prompting our team to track them as they drove away. The vans in question returned to the University of Bologna. We concluded they were part of the planning scheme. We also believe the vans had gathered information regarding the security mobile patrols and foot patrols that regularly patrol the perimeter.

"Having said all this, it follows logically that an appropriate plan of prevention and defense be formulated to prevent or counter a major confrontation and consequent disruption of activities in our city. As we speak, our teams are working on such a plan to meet this threat. Vlad?" Mikhail cued his partner to speak.

"Gentlemen," Vlad began, "We have tried to summarize this as briefly as possible. Are there questions?"

"This 'protest' as you call it….do you know when it will take place?" Ernesto asked weakly.

"And what is meant by a large group? How large?" Matteo added.

Vlad again responded. "We estimate the 'protest' will take place in the next two to eight weeks. We conjecture that the planning has been ongoing for all these months due to a delay in funding from Wellspring, or possibly a delay in obtaining the necessary equipment, or some such issue. The size of the 'protest' group depends upon how many chapters of 'Our Vision' get involved. All campuses combined amount to around 1000 people. Whether they will employ all members or just one or two chapters is not known. It could be anywhere from a few dozen to several hundred, or even more. We are trying to find that out as we speak.

"Also, we have data that shows the typical number of embedded radicals in a protest group will range from ten percent to twenty-five percent of the group. Those are the ones who are trained by the instigators and embedded into the group. Usually, the others involved do not even know who the radicals are or how many, or even that they are present. Typically, most protesters are unaware they are being infiltrated or that eventually these embedded trained radicals will cause chaos and disruption, along with whatever other mayhem they have planned. The likelihood is high that they are not planning to come here to engage onlookers in intellectual debate over issues. They have an agenda."

Joseph sounded a bit uneasy as he asked his question. "You say you are working on some sort of plan to prevent or counter a major confrontation if our security perimeter is breached? What sort of plan?"

Anzio, for the first time, offered a reply. "I will take this question, as I am in a better position to give an answer. Our team at ODSERD – Office of Defense and Security Experimental Research Division, has at our disposal several systems of crowd control, some of which are the typical kinds you may see in cop movies and on TV, and other systems which are proprietary, or exclusively ours, and I will explain that," he paused to sip coffee, then resumed.

"Exclusively ours, that is, in the sense that over the years we have researched, designed, developed, and tested those systems without making those systems available to any other agency. Several have been patented, while others are top secret and will never be made public until they are actually required to be used in real time. But there is more." Anzio paused to pick up other papers from the desk, then continued.

"Crowd control, you know, is a matter of degree. The defensive response to an unruly crowd is calibrated in steps of increasing intensity and forcefulness, which is directed at the crowd to stop belligerent actions. Believe me when I say we are prepared to meet any level of intensity that any crowd may create when it acts in a hostile, confrontational way. And the size of the crowd is not a factor in controlling it. Actually, the larger and more concentrated the crowd is, the easier it is to control.

"We do already possess all the necessary equipment, and our teams have gone through thorough military training in the use of that equipment. So, to wrap it up, the defensive plan Vlad and Mikhail mentioned would utilize our crowd control methods and technologies. The plan currently being developed addresses the logistical aspects of the problem and outlines the Rules of Engagement that the teams will be expected to follow. We will be ready for them, gentlemen, trust me on that.

"The Banking Council provides us with a huge budget with the expectation that we will produce results proportional to the funding. We have always delivered those excellent results and will continue to do so. We have the best R&D team on the planet and the best Intel team," Anzio concluded with a broad, proud smile and a nod of his head as he motioned with his hand to acknowledge his two ODS associates.

Anzio continued. "What we have done here, Gentlemen, is to give you a 'heads up', so to speak. We are still working on this. I suggest that you all inform anyone you talk with that this scheme is being planned, so that everyone can make appropriate preparations in advance, should this group decide to enter our city. It is better to be cautious than to be surprised.

"We will put together a memorandum to distribute electronically to all the Councils, Panels, and Agencies in the governing authority. We will also prepare posters for strategic public locations and buildings around the city to inform people that preparations are necessary. Of course, the local radio and TV stations will receive a briefing. We are preparing that as we speak." Anzio reached for his coffee cup.

"And, of course, we will provide updates as necessary," he added.

Vlad and Mikhail stood, thanked everyone, and began to pack. "We need to leave for an appointment back at the Department. Thank you, Gentlemen, for your attention. Have a good day." They nodded and smiled and left the room.

A Time for Action

Matteo signaled the waiter for a fill-up on coffee and tea.

"I think we need to relax a bit and digest what this means," Matteo stated. "We have in the past put out public statements explaining our positions on different points of contention regarding our governing system here at Cellinara that some outsiders insist should be addressed and reformed. They know what we stand for. What bothers me more than the possibility of this group causing disruption in our city is the reason they desire to do so."

"Of course, the instigators mean to cause divisiveness," remarked Ernesto as he prepared his tea. "It is a useful tool they employ to try to weaken us so that they may then step in and fix the broken system by replacing it with their own system. It is something we must expect now and in the future. The bigger and more important we become and the more influence and power and wealth we wield, the more adversarial they will become."

"This may serve to be a wake-up call, gentlemen," stated Joseph. "Perhaps we need to develop a strategy to counter this kind of belligerence. We must assume that this will not be the only time this kind of threat will be made against our community. We have become a target of sorts in the minds of those who steer the agenda to reshape the world. This has been going on in every part of the world for decades. We cannot escape it.

Joseph continued, "Our obligation now is to formulate a strategy to resist and defeat these psychopaths who think they have the authority to dictate to others what kinds of values to hold. We are not facing a threat from college students. We are confronting a larger system that is insinuating itself into every corner of every culture it seeks to dominate and/or destroy." Joseph's usual warm smile seemed to fade as he spoke.

"Well, yes," Anzio inserted. "Yes, we do need a strategy, a working plan of action that will serve as a guide to follow when these kinds of threats arise. We do not now have such a comprehensive plan. Our current defense and security strategies primarily rely on defensive or, as we term them, reactive systems and tactics. We need a forward-looking, anticipatory, or proactive system that will serve to prevent these threats that are silently lurking and preparing to spring into action at a time convenient for the belligerent.

"This kind of preparation involves more than the usual security planning; it would include a psychological aspect, a theory of confrontation, so to speak, that would give our side the advantage. Yes, this is a point in time when a sound defensive plan is necessary, but also a point in time when we must plan to be proactive. It is a time for action. We should formulate a plan to take the initiative and go on the offensive. That is my way of approaching this. I shall arrange some meetings with my analysts to discuss this. What do you gentlemen think?"

"Are you saying we need an offensive long-term plan or policy to prevent threats instead of waiting to confront the threat defensively?" asked Ernesto, wiping tea from his goatee.

"Basically, that is the essential idea, yes," replied Anzio. "It is a military concept. Act first to prevent an act against you. "But the defensive aspect is just as important; the proactive action does not replace the defensive action; it is simply used as a first tactic."

Joseph shifted in his chair. "You mean we need something analogous to a foreign policy that a nation would employ to deter aggression. Is that it?"

"It's a valid analogy, Joseph," replied Anzio. "Look, we are no longer a little struggling commune among many. We have proven our social order to be as good, if not better, than even some larger, older, stronger countries. We have a strong economy, a stable social order, an educated, wealthy, and loyal populace; we have many things going for us here. We have enormous wealth, and we know how to plan and be resilient in times of adversity. Our history as a community has shown that.

"We are SUCCESSFUL," Anzio emphasized the word with a slow, deliberate delivery, as though he were spelling the word to make sure they understood the impact. "And that is why we are disliked, if you want my honest opinion. And yes, it is only my feeling, my hunch. Others are ENVIOUS. We are what they cannot be, and we have what they are not able to have. It is simple, at least it is to me.

"We need a policy that will serve to protect us by preventing and defending against these inevitable threats. It's logical, simple, and undeniable. We are at a point in the development of this community where we must act. Again, I will repeat, as an expert in defense strategy, it is time for action."

Matteo was listening intently. He had always respected and admired Anzio as a very bright and capable person. Anzio's words resonated with Matteo. He knew Anzio well and knew that Anzio would always keep his private opinions to himself, never allowing his personal side to intermingle with his professional side. But here, now, Anzio had let down his guard and showed his personal side. Matteo knew Anzio's passion would not allow this to be hidden from view. This time, his personal side was dominant, and Matteo wholeheartedly agreed with his words. He felt Anzio's intensity. He knew the implications of his words.

"Anzio, my dear friend," Matteo responded, "we all need to step back and digest what has been said here today. We have something to consider, don't we, gentlemen? I can sense we are all a bit shaken by this news. We need to collect our thoughts and meet again when we can offer some constructive approaches to this problem. Clear thinking is required here."

Joseph replied, "Yes, all right. It has been a whirlwind of a morning. I agree, let us adjourn. There is much to think about."

Ernesto stood, donning his stovepipe. "Leftists," he muttered disdainfully.

Anzio collected his papers and snapped his briefcase shut. "As I said, gentlemen, I will keep you all updated by text or phone call. Let us keep the messaging short, as we all know it is safer to converse in person. Do not forget to use the safe channel if you do need to phone or text. We can always meet at a neutral spot to talk. Good day, all."

Anzio turned to Matteo, who had gathered his things and was preparing to leave.

"Matteo, would you like a ride? I would be more than happy to drop you off."

Matteo nodded. "Yes, my friend. Please do." And they departed.

The ride back was smooth and quiet. Anzio always used the quietest, most luxurious vehicles for Department use. His wife complained they were too long and too black, so Anzio bought her a Mercedes Sedan. "You've got to keep them happy," he quipped.

Anzio pulled up to the porch and pressed a button to open the door, letting Matteo out.

"Anzio," Matteo turned to face him, "are you worried about this at all? This 'protest' business?

Anzio faced Matteo directly. "They are not going to threaten me and my family and my community without paying a penalty, Matteo. That is all I am going to say." His face was stern and stone serious. Matteo slid out and closed the door. Anzio pulled ahead. The long black limo exited the estate at the other end of the coach road.

Matteo's wife and children had gone to visit her sister and her sister's children in the next town. He had a few minutes to unwind and relax. He enjoyed these moments. A warm, inviting breeze blew across the porch. Matteo sat on the swinging bench he had crafted as a sixteen-year-old. He noticed how the plant pots swung gently in the breeze, how the beautiful colors of the leaves and flowers danced in the sunlight. He leaned his head back. His eyes closed. He let his silent thoughts run inside his head.

There was every reason to believe that outsiders had feelings of envy for those whose lifestyle had been so much better than theirs. Cellinara was a place that bred the best kinds of humans: educated, intelligent, compassionate, decent, moral human beings. The people of Cellinara had not only become the best of the best but also had become targets of those whose envy had taken control of them. Matteo's mind was in high gear. There was something in the tone and strength in Anzio's delivery that lit the lamp of understanding inside him.

He remembered the stories of those early years of the Cellini group he had been told by his father and grandfather, who had learned those same stories from their fathers and grandfathers; the stories of the seemingly magical series of events that had come together to create the group that studied together at the Academy in Careggi; the stories which described the right kinds of people gathering at the right time, who were brought together by the right conditions to discuss the right topics for the right reasons, their coming to the correct conclusions, initiating the right actions; the stories about the group learning from the teachings of the ancients which were brought to life by the animated discussions at that magical place that was Careggi.

All who sat at that table earlier were men who were raised in a special kind of place which had become a living part of their very souls, a part of their very being. The values and ideals they had built their lives around as children, adolescents, and now as adults were instilled in them by parents who had felt the same passions and drives, who had felt the same magic that was alive in this city.

Matteo was always careful in his thought; his study of epistemology and phenomenology taught him to carefully analyze every conscious experience he had, to clarify the intent and essence of every thought, every emotion, every perception. It had taught him never to believe that of which he was uncertain. Nevertheless, he had become convinced that there was a living spirit dwelling in this community, a spirit that had infused itself into all who lived, worked, and studied here. He felt it. He knew it was there. He was becoming convinced.

He thought about the challenging history that this city had gone through, how it had managed to survive over 550 years, and how the ideals it was founded upon had survived unscathed. It certainly seemed as though there had been some sort of guiding force involved that served to illuminate the path leading to the city's survival. Could there actually have been such a force at work all those years? He mused.

Had this guiding spirit actually been born at Careggi? Had the spirit of the ancient Hellenic Greeks and the early Romans come alive again to plant itself in the souls of those who were attracted to its magical lure? Was it the intent of this spirit to direct those it had lured into its grasp toward a specific destination to accomplish some purpose?

It seemed so to Matteo. The more he mused over it, the more it made sense. The ideals that the spirit had guided along the path were being guarded. They were being protected, he sensed. There was a reason for it. It is time for action. Those words stuck in his mind, as though his memory had snapped a mental image of the sound they made when spoken by Anzio.