John Judge was pleased with the operation. At least for now there would be no State manipulation of individual’s personal data. More importantly, there was an added element of security for him and his group. He decided he should go into work as usual for his normal shift. He arrived at the steps of the CIO and saw the devastation, the place was a mess. He showed his pass to the police at the entrance and was told to report to the security office. He walked in, ‘what the hell has happened here?’ he said looking around with a shocked expression.
The investigating officer explained what had happened, asked him a few routine questions and said ‘do you have any idea who might have done this? Has anyone been hanging around acting in any way suspicious?’
John paused and tried to act as normal as one would in this situation. ‘No officer, I can’t think why anyone would do this and I’m not aware of any unusual activity.’
The police officer appeared relaxed with John’s answers ‘I suggest you go home until we’re cleared up here.’
‘Was anyone injured? John asked.
‘Yes, unfortunately, one of your colleagues tried to sound the alarm and got a crack on the head for his pains.’
‘Where have they taken him? I’d like to go and see him; do you know which hospital he was taken to?’
The officer told him where they had taken the injured man and asked John to wish him well. He left, regretting the injury to his work colleague but knew that Terry had little choice.
John spoke with his injured work colleague in the hospital. He knew little of what had happened as he had been knocked unconscious as soon as he set the alarm off. From what he saw and what he was told, he was impressed with the efficiency of the attack. ‘These guys were pros, John, I’ve no doubt about it and I don’t think we’ve seen the last of them. My head hurts like hell, but they could have killed me so I feel a bit lucky.’
John engaged in the conversation. ‘It seems odd that they only wanted to destroy the computer systems. Why on earth do you think they wanted to do that?’
‘Well, between you and me and I mean strictly between you and me, they must have found out what was happening at the CIO. Data on everybody was being collected and integrated into one system so that the Government could identify everything about everyone at the push of a button.’ He lowered his voice and looked furtively around to ensure no one was listening. Beckoning John to come closer he said, ‘despite the bump on my head John I’m glad they did destroy that stuff. What this government is trying to do is frightening the hell out of me.’
John responded equally cautiously, ‘we have to stop calling it a government my friend because that is not what it is. Perhaps this revolutionary group, whoever they are, will do what has to be done. We have to believe that things will get better. John put his hand on his colleague’s shoulder, ‘get some rest Jack and we’ll see you back at work soon eh?’
He left the hospital feeling that support for what he was doing was growing.