Personal Income Taxes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Personal Income Taxes - Essay Example The rich taxpayers are seem to be reporting almost 48.5% of their total income as capital gains and dividends, effectively getting 48.5% of their income taxed at extremely lower rate of 15% compared to that of the low income people. The trend now is that such wealthy taxpayers with more than $10 million continue to report huge increase in their income and get taxed at extremely lower rates. Legendry investor Warren Buffet has complained that he pays much lower tax rates than his secretary. John: I should agree with Mike on this point. Studies have shown that one of the major reasons for income inequality in US is such special tax rates on investment income. While the percentage of capital income is as high as 50% for some of the wealthy, it is as low as 2% for people below the income level of $200,000. In fact, Mitt Romney is reported to have close to $14 million income and the effective tax rate is seemed to be as low as 13.5%. All these instances point to the fact that current tax system just keeps accelerating the income disparity in US. A fix to this is indispensable in order to check this inequality from spreading. One option that the government can consider is to increase the tax rates on investment income. I: Taking it on from John, I should say that is already high time that the government should find a fix for this issue. Effectively, only a higher tax rate can curb the huge tax rate disparity in US. Regarding John’s note on increasing the tax rates on investment income, I should say that it will again adversely affect the small taxpayers who have considerably small percentage of investment income. Increase in the tax rate on such income would effectively leave the small taxpayers with fewer after tax profits. Therefore, a more ideal choice would be to determine the tax break loopholes that allow the rich to lower their income tax percentage and close such

Promotion - Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communications Essay

Promotion - Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communications - Essay Example To me, the introduction of the white, brown and chocolate-sandwiched bread gave me the knowledge about their efficiency in reaching the customers in time with information on the loss, existence or price increase or fall of these products. The company makes sure that the public, customers or audience in the communication field are reached in the most amicable and plausible way. The company sets information through the points of purchase, the supermarkets within the region. This perfectly reaches the customers as these are the points where they continuously get into contact with the company. The company does this through the use of banners. The company also gets into contact with the customers through the internet and at this point the Andronico’s Company passes information to the customers through the social interactive network platforms, like the tweeter, facebook and other social platforms (Lee & Park, 2007, p 235). To effectively pass the information to the customers about t he products, the company uses direct mail in the case where they have the contact mails of the esteem customers. This will get the customers with notification and beware of the situation in the markets (Lee & Park, 2007, p 228). This will reduce the wasting of time to go to the markets to buy a product not in the market. The company also uses the print media to communicate to the customers about the product that they are interested in. with line this, the company also uses the broadcast media which reaches most of its customers as the broadcast media is widely spread throughout the country. The company organizes events and through which all the relevant information is provided to the customers of specific goods. This will be followed by new information on counter products in place for the lost products in the market at the moment. Andronico’s communicates to the customers through the processes of sales

The Secret of Samsung's Success Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Secret of Samsung's Success - Essay Example Samsung claims to have the largest share in the global smart phone market, which is because of the Galaxy smart phones by Samsung. In 2012 it was awarded as a world’s ninth best brand (Tek, n.p). Samsung now stands among the top tier global corporations, possesses good ranking in the superior management, and provides innovation in design along with improving its sales and earnings (Lee, 9). In 2012, the company’s sales were about $ 42 billion and it made a 50% profit in the same year making Samsung the best electronic company amongst its potential competitors Apple and Sony. This paper puts across the secrets of the success of Samsung Company over the years. Samsung’s goal is to establish every inch of customers starting from their homes, new phones, tablets, televisions, washing machines, cameras, dryers, refrigerators, computers among others unlike Apple that focuses on laser electronics. Samsung does a variety and it does it very well. In 2011, Samsung was the world’s top television maker with a market share of 22%. It also had grown in washing machines from 7% to 9% in 2009 and 2011 respectively. The company introduces a variety of products that best serve the customers. Samsung Corporation has successfully blended speediness, imagination and affordability in their offerings to capture the consumers’ attention. It has invested huge sums on extensive research and development to gain and maintain competitive market, Samsung spent around US$ 2.3 billion on research and development (Roll, 154) while its competitors Apple used only 2.4 percent of its revenues on innovation (Roll 154). Focusing on research and development of a variety of products such as refrigerators, tablets, televisions, cameras, new phones, washing machines with features that best suit public demand is the secret behind the success of Samsung. The secret of Samsung’s success is attributed to quality investment and manufacturing. Samsung introduced Sam sung galaxy, Smart TV, Smart Phones each with a new feature. The Smart Phones had quality Cameras, enabled the user to access information faster and used a variety of font sizes as preferred by the user. The problem of their competitor Apple has been lack of constant innovation. It has been around 3 years since Apple released the iPod, the company’s last breakthrough product. Its latest products have been iterations of existing gadgets. The iPad Mini is just a smaller iPad and not something new. Samsung’s success is therefore because of its constant innovations of new products such as galaxy S II. Samsung poses great motivation to its employees that make them work even harder for the achievement of the company’s success. It manages the working hours of its employees to ensure no worker is overworked. Their system tallies overtime hours daily by individuals and communicates to the human resource managers. Samsung SDI recommends employees to take leaves available for them. The leave- use record is controlled at the individual level by the system and the employees are only allowed to take their leaves as indicated in the system. To domestic employees, the company provides pension scheme, health insurance, industrial accident insurance, employment insurance, mortgaging support, medical expense support, personal scheme assistance, fitness facilities and recreation facilities

Whale Rider Essay Example for Free

Whale Rider Essay The fate of the future of the people, you can not change it, you should accept it, you should be brave enough to face all the problems. Fate WITI Ihimaera novel Whale Rider is a very important topic. Kahus destiny is to become the first female chief of the Maori, the next Whale Rider. However, this fate is very difficult Kahu done alone. Firstly, Kahu get direct help to fulfill her destiny from the the Rehua, nannies flowers and Ravi Lane. Secondly, ironically, Kahu also indirectly help to fulfill her destiny of Koro and ancient cattle whale third , Kahu fulfill her destiny own fate is an important theme of this novel, is the fate of the Maori whale saved Kahu. The help of a lot of people directly Kahu to fulfill her destiny, such as the Rehua, nanny flowers and Ravi inside. First, Rehua Who wants to name the baby Kahu. Even if Rehua is weak childbirth, she is still hope. The Rehua To baby named Kahu, because she wanted children with her husbands tribe, and in honor of her husband. In addition, the fate of Kahu is very important, because the The Kahu ancestor the Kahutia special Rangi name Rehua hope Kahu nobody to tease her. Secondly, the nanny spend is a person who gave permission to the baby named Kahu. Therefore, the nanny spent out of ideas, defrauding Koro, she knew when she thinks Koro, he will go to the ocean ship, so she is only half of the oil in the ship, and Koro will stay in the middle of the ocean. This is very important Kahus fate, which is the name of the nanny spent to get her to support Rehua performance of Maori tribes. Third, Ravi go help nanny spent directly Kahu was born line. The Ravi was directly help the Kahu her bi rth line, this offer is very important kahu the birth of the line next to the the Kahutia special Rangi Kahu from large ancestors, Kahutia special Rangi. The Rehua, nanny flowers and Ravi inside directly fulfill Kahus destiny, they help Kahu is great, so that she can have a better life. Kahu, a lot of people to help her people, but she is also a person is ironic that those who help her. The Kahu been to help the Koro and, ancient cattle the whales through indirect help. First of all, When Koro pushs Kahu, Kahu is trying to make Koro and accept her.Kahu love her great grandfather Koro Moreover, she was always trying to do a good job, so that her great-grandfather is very proud of her. But she always just disappointed, because she knew she was a girl, can not become the next, which is why her great-grandfather does not accpet her, but she believed Koro accpet upcoming day. Secondly, Koro To test the child, who is the next president of the school, so Koro thrown stone carvings, middle-aged people to the ocean, but not brought back LITHOGLYPHS, Koro upsad, Finally, Kahu can find rock carvings in the ocean This Kahus fate is very important, because Kahu found LITHOGLYPHS, on behalf of her next, because no one can be found who are the next marine rock carvings The Kahus n ew lifel changes Koro not know it is Kahu with The back LITHOGLYPHS Koro traditional, he can not accpet next girl. Third, in the ancient bull whale back found to Wangji Glasgow gold master, but the Maori tribe when the whale is dead, they think their life will stop at that moment, when the ancient bull whale to reach the prosperous Glasgow, Maori people is SCARD their lives, they tried to get the whale back into the ocean, but the results whale whale no final Kahu talks, and riding a whale back into the ocean, but in fact, ancient bull whale that she is a gold master old mother she was not the golden egg, and then sent the Kahu back Wang Glasgow who is Whale Rider, let Koro to know the real situation is one of his great-grandson Whale Rider in the future of this offer. Koro and the ancient cattle whale Kahu told the ancient bull whale indirectly to fulfill her destiny, but also to ensure that Kahu is the future of Whale Rider. Kahu indirectly to help her know that she is the next Whale Rider, she completed her fate by her. Kahus destiny to fulfill its first female chief. First, Kahu interested in learning about Maori culture and language, this is the next should be aware of it. The Kahu efforts to understand the Maori culture, their own language, so she and Kahu hope that she can become the next Kahu spent a lot of time in learning all things Maori Koro proud. Second, a person who can negotiate the whale on behalf of his / her next, Kahu, she will speak of the whale, which is the the Kahu fate of the ability of future chief.This quotes is very important, because Kahu You can communicate with whales. This is the part of the chief, should have do.Third, Kahu meet her fate be the the next Whale Rider bite her great-grandfather is the important part: Whale Rider communication whale. First things should be a little Koro toes part become Whale Rider. To meet Kahu fate of almost help her become the first woman Whale Rider. Kahu help fulfill her destiny, she was a different person to complete her destiny. First, they allow direct Kahu great help in her life. Second the Koro and ancient bullfighting whale is ironic that, in order to ensure that Kahu is the future of Whale Rider. Third, Kahu help themselves to become the next Whale Rider. There are a lot of people with different ideas to fulfill Kahus destiny. Fate is very important Kahu fulfill her dream to become the next Whale Rider.

Case Study Of The Three Gorges Dam

Case Study Of The Three Gorges Dam The following case study on the Three Gorges Dam illustrates the pros and cons of concrete gravity dam construction and is an excellent complement to the material discussed in the technical paper. Chinas Three Gorges Dam (TGD) is the largest power generating plant in the world. The TGD is a hydroelectric concrete gravity dam that spans the Yangtze River, in Hubei province.5 It is located in the Xilingxia gorge which is one of the three gorges of this river.5 Costing a total of over 30 billion US dollars 6, the TGD project was put in place for several reasons including flood protection, energy production, increased navigability throughout the Yangtze River and access to fresh water for the citizens. 3 The construction of this dam is having a major impact on Chinas national economy, and its performance is critical to the large population living in Three Gorges region. 3 Upon its completion, the dam will measure 2.6 kilometres in length, 186 meters in height and it will form a 645 kilometre long reservoir in the midsection of the Yangtze. 3 The dam is designed to generate an output of 17680MW which includes 26 generators at 680 MW per unit. 3 The following figure shows the exact location of Three Gorges dam. Figure 3: Map of the Three Gorges Dam In terms of construction, the dam will be composed of 32 primary generators which will allow the dam to reach its maximum power output capacity. 26 generators are found on the dam itself while the remaining are built below a neighbouring mountain.6. Furthermore, a ship lift capable of vertically transporting ships (weighing as much as 3000 tons) from one water level to another will be built on the north side of the Three Gorges Dam.6. Other than the ship lift, a series of locks have been installed designed for boats weighing up to 10 000 tons; approximately four hours are needed for transit of these vessels. 6. The ship lifts and locks constructed as part of the TGD are very beneficial aspects as they promote increased navigability throughout the Yangtze River. By transporting more freight on the river, a reduction in emissions caused by the trucking industry is predicted,6 which is beneficial to the environment. The following table shows a summary of several specifications of the da m: Table 3: TGD Physical Summary (http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-12142004-125131/unrestricted/SAllin_010304.pdf) Location Dam Site Sandouping, Hubei Province, China Dam Crest 185 meters Dam Length 2,000 meters Reservoir Specifications Normal Pool Level 175 meters Flood Control Level 145 meters Total Storage Capacity 39.3 billion cubic meters Flood Control Storage 22.1 billion cubic meters Power Generation Installed Capacity 17,680 MW Unit Capacity 26 units, 680 MW/unit Inundation Land 632 km-long, 19 cities, 326 towns Arable Land 30,000 hectares Population 1,980,000 people As mentioned previously, prevention or mitigation of the effects of floods is one of the primary reasons for the construction of the Three Gorges Dam since Chinese records show that about one major flood per decade occurs in the area, some killing over 300 000 people. 3 The TGD which has a total of 22 billion cubic meters of capacity destined to flood control will allow China to control some major floods which also have a great impact on the economy.3 Energy production is also a major benefit involved in the construction of the dam. In fact, with its output of 18 million KW, the TGD is worlds most powerful plant. It was found that the TGD would produce a total of nearly 10% of the available energy in China.3 A third reason for the construction of the dam would be for consistent access to fresh water for consumption or agricultural use. In fact, it is known that the Yangtze Rivers water level fluctuates significantly which could affect the amount of water available for use; the TGD wi ll be able to supply this water consistently, mitigating the effects of these fluctuations in the water level of the river. 3. Finally, increased navigability in the river is another benefit related to the construction of this dam. The Three Gorges Dam allows for a direct access from the Pacific Ocean into mainland China, which in turn promotes increased trade in the cities; in the end, increased navigability will create new job, new markets will emerge, and there will be a better economic vitality in general.3 It is clear that there are significant benefits to the construction of this dam, as it will not only have a positive impact on the Chinese economy, but it will also increase the quality of life of Chinese citizens and contribute to human development. Unfortunately, some argue that the environmental and social price to be paid with respect to the construction of the Three Gorges dam outweighs its benefits to society. In fact, the environmental impacts including effects on biodiversity, emissions, erosion and sedimentation as well as waste, and the social effect of relocation of millions of citizens causes great harm to the Chinese population. The following information on the environmental and social effects of the construction of the Three Gorges Dam is written with the help from a report from Samuel Robert Fishleigh Allin which will be listed in the references used for this technical paper. Environmental effects The construction of dams definitely has a detrimental impact on the environment. Some of the impacts involved are greenhouse gas emission, loss of aquatic biodiversity, loss of water quality, loss of wildlife, and creation of wetlands. The construction of the dam negatively alters the composition of the water in the Yangtze River, already one of the most polluted rivers in the world due mainly to coal shipping. First, the dust resulting from the construction itself will enter and pollute the water. It is found that the oxygen levels as well as the temperature of the water, which affects fish downstream, are also altered upon the dams completion. Furthermore, greenhouse gases are released from the breakdown of vegetation and silt, which lowers the surrounding air quality. Also, a silt build-up in the river could possibly affect the reservoirs of the dams increasing the possibility of floods, upstream from the dam. The flow of silt throughout the river is very crucial to aquatic wildli fe; without it in proper quantities, the organisms can be deprived of a sufficient quantity of nutrients. Moreover, the Three Gorges Dam affects the stream flow of the River and this disrupts the aquatic ecosystems which are very dependent on the timing of the water level fluctuations. Finally, one more aspect that is more related to the health and safety of the population is the fact that the TGD was built near a fault line and the magnitude and force that this dam exerts on the ground can increase the chances that an earthquake occurs. Social effects It is important to account for the different negative social impacts before launching the construction of a large dam. The most significant social implication related to the Three Gorges Dam is the fact that over one million people living near the reservoir area had to be relocated, many already living in severe poverty, while the compensation for relocation was often inadequate. Water from the Three Gorges Dam is expected to flood 13 cities and over 100 000 acres of farmland which really disturbs the people`s everyday life as it results in loss of jobs and well being. Some of the difficulties involved in the resettlement process include medical services, schools, drinking water and food as well as electricity. Also, another social impact is the fact that some of the archaeological sites near the dam including historical artefacts will become inaccessible due to the construction of the dam. On the other hand, one social benefit of the TGD is flood control provided by the dam will sav e people from disasters in the future as the frequency of a major flood is expected to be at 1 in 100 years frequency. To end the section on social impacts a figure of the scope of the resettlement area caused by the construction of the TGD is shown: http://www.ctgpc.com/benefifs/images/06.jpg In conclusion, although the construction of the Three Gorges Dam is great for the development of the Yangtze River, contributes to the Chinese economy, and presents benefits such as flood control, energy production, increased navigability and access to fresh water, it is clear that the negative social and environmental price to pay to sustain these benefits is a major cause of concern for the future.

The Metamorphosis of Macbeth Essay -- GCSE Coursework Macbeth Essays

The Metamorphosis of Macbeth  Ã‚   Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth demonstrates what can happen when one pursues power at the expense of everything else.     The main character, Macbeth begins the play as a strong character that is greatly admired, however as the play progresses, Macbeth's personality and actions become more and more deceitful. Macbeth’s deceit eventually leads to his destruction. Following the murder of Duncan, Macbeth realizes that the murder has put him into the control of demon forces which are the enemy of mankind. Macbeth recognizes that the conscious acts which torture him essentially reduce him to a human individual. This is the inescapable bond that keeps him "pale" and at Act 3 Scene 2, he states: "Come seeling night Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day, And with thy bloody and invisible hand Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond Which keeps me pale" The above quote by Macbeth demonstrates that he imagines that the execution of more murderous deeds, (instigation of the murder of Banquo), will help him pursue his interest of personal safety and also destroy any personal humanity left within himself. Immediately after the death of Duncan, Macbeth is disgusted with himself for murdering Duncan. This is shown by Macbeth when he states: "I have done the deed" He says this instead of simply saying that he has murdered Duncan and is consequently almost trying to avoid the subject. This demonstrates that Macbeth is deeply ashamed of what he has done. Macbeth also feels that the killing of Duncan has cut him off from God, because before the murder the text is full of references to things being divine, but following the murder everything in the text becomes bleak and unhol... ...e prophecies give Macbeth a false sense of security. Macbeth is very insecure, which is an explanation as to why he feels he has to kill anyone who he remotely views as a threat to his reign including his plan to murder Macduff: "I'll make assurance double sure" I think this is because he is so insecure that he feels he needs to kill Macduff to make the prophecy come true. The multiple roles of Macbeth in the play demonstrate his changing character and illustrate the complete evolution of Macbeth's personality. Macbeth begins as a respectable person and gradually his personality descends until he eventually falls apart and loses control. Perhaps the message that Shakespeare is sending is that no good will come from evil -even if it first appears that you will not be found out. Works Cited: Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. New York: Penguin Books, 1987.

Digital Fortress Chapter 55-58

Chapter 55 â€Å"You're in my seat, asshole.† Becker lifted his head off his arms. Doesn't anyone speak Spanish in this damn country? Glaring down at him was a short, pimple-faced teenager with a shaved head. Half of his scalp was red and half was purple. He looked like an Easter egg. â€Å"I said you're in my seat, asshole.† â€Å"I heard you the first time,† Becker said, standing up. He was in no mood for a fight. It was time to go. â€Å"Where'd you put my bottles?† the kid snarled. There was a safety pin in his nose. Becker pointed to the beer bottles he'd set on the ground. â€Å"They were empty.† â€Å"They were my fuckin' empties!† â€Å"My apologies,† Becker said, and turned to go. The punk blocked his way. â€Å"Pick 'em up!† Becker blinked, not amused. â€Å"You're kidding, right?† He was a full foot taller and outweighed the kid by about fifty pounds. â€Å"Do I fuckin' look like I'm kidding?† Becker said nothing. â€Å"Pick 'em up!† The kid's voice cracked. Becker attempted to step around him, but the teenager blocked his way. â€Å"I said, fuckin' pick 'em up!† Stoned punks at nearby tables began turning to watch the excitement. â€Å"You don't want to do this, kid,† Becker said quietly. â€Å"I'm warning you!† The kid seethed. â€Å"This is my table! I come here every night. Now pick 'em up!† Becker's patience ran out. Wasn't he supposed to be in the Smokys with Susan? What was he doing in Spain arguing with a psychotic adolescent? Without warning, Becker caught the kid under the armpits, lifted him up, and slammed his rear end down on the table. â€Å"Look, you runny-nosed little runt. You're going to back off right now, or I'm going to rip that safety pin out of your nose and pin your mouth shut.† The kid's face went pale. Becker held him a moment, then he released his grip. Without taking his eyes off the frightened kid, Becker stooped down, picked up the bottles, and returned them to the table. â€Å"What do you say?† he asked. The kid was speechless. â€Å"You're welcome,† Becker snapped. This kid's a walking billboard for birth control. â€Å"Go to hell!† the kid yelled, now aware of his peers laughing at him. â€Å"Ass-wipe!† Becker didn't move. Something the kid had said suddenly registered. I come here every night. Becker wondered if maybe the kid could help him. â€Å"I'm sorry,† Becker said, â€Å"I didn't catch your name.† â€Å"Two-Tone,† he hissed, as if he were giving a death sentence. â€Å"Two-Tone?† Becker mused. â€Å"Let me guess†¦ because of your hair?† â€Å"No shit, Sherlock.† â€Å"Catchy name. Make that up yourself?† â€Å"Damn straight,† he said proudly. â€Å"I'm gonna patent it.† Becker scowled. â€Å"You mean trademark it?† The kid looked confused. â€Å"You'd need a trademark for a name,† Becker said. â€Å"Not a patent.† â€Å"Whatever!† the punk screamed in frustration. The motley assortment of drunken and drugged-out kids at the nearby tables were now in hysterics. Two-Tone stood up and sneered at Becker. â€Å"What the fuck do you want from me?† Becker thought a moment. I want you to wash your hair, cleanup your language, and get a job. Becker figured it was too much to ask on a first meeting. â€Å"I need some information,† he said. â€Å"Fuck you.† â€Å"I'm looking for someone.† â€Å"I ain't seen him.† â€Å"Haven't seen him,† Becker corrected as he flagged a passing waitress. He bought two Aguila beers and handed one to Two-Tone. The boy looked shocked. He took a swig of beer and eyed Becker warily. â€Å"You hitting on me, mister?† Becker smiled. â€Å"I'm looking for a girl.† Two-Tone let out a shrill laugh. â€Å"You sure as hell ain't gonna get any action dressed like that!† Becker frowned. â€Å"I'm not looking for action. I just need to talk to her. Maybe you could help me find her.† Two-Tone set down his beer. â€Å"You a cop?† Becker shook his head. The kid's eyes narrowed. â€Å"You look like a cop.† â€Å"Kid, I'm from Maryland. If I were a cop, I'd be a little out of my jurisdiction, don't you think?† The question seemed to stump him. â€Å"My name's David Becker.† Becker smiled and offered his hand across the table. The punk recoiled in disgust. â€Å"Back off, fag boy.† Becker retracted the hand. The kid sneered. â€Å"I'll help you, but it'll cost you.† Becker played along. â€Å"How much?† â€Å"A hundred bucks.† Becker frowned. â€Å"I've only got pesetas.† â€Å"Whatever! Make it a hundred pesetas.† Foreign currency exchange was obviously not one of Two-Tone's fortes; a hundred pesetas was about eighty-seven cents. â€Å"Deal,† Becker said, rapping his bottle on the table. The kid smiled for the first time. â€Å"Deal.† â€Å"Okay,† Becker continued in his hushed tone. â€Å"I figure the girl I'm looking for might hang out here. She's got red, white, and blue hair.† Two-Tone snorted. â€Å"It's Judas Taboo's anniversary. Everybody's got-â€Å" â€Å"She's also wearing a British flag T-shirt and has a skull pendant in one ear.† A faint look of recognition crossed Two-Tone's face. Becker saw it and felt a surge of hope. But a moment later Two-Tone's expression turned stern. He slammed his bottle down and grabbed Becker's shirt. â€Å"She's Eduardo's, you asshole! I'd watch it! You touch her, and he'll kill you!† Chapter 56 Midge Milken prowled angrily into the conference room across from her office. In addition to the thirty-two foot mahogany table with the NSA seal inlaid in black cherry and walnut, the conference room contained three Marion Pike watercolors, a Boston fern, a marble wet bar, and of course, the requisite Sparklett's water cooler. Midge helped herself to a glass of water, hoping it might calm her nerves. As she sipped at the liquid, she gazed across at the window. The moonlight was filtering through the open venetian blind and playing on the grain of the table. She'd always thought this would make a nicer director's office than Fontaine's current location on the front of the building. Rather than looking out over the NSA parking lot, the conference room looked out over an impressive array of NSA outbuildings-including the Crypto dome, a high-tech island floating separate from the main building on three wooded acres. Purposefully situated behind the natural cover of a grove of maples, Crypto was difficult to see from most windows in the NSA complex, but the view from the directorial suite was perfect. To Midge the conference room seemed the perfect vantage point for a king to survey his domain. She had suggested once that Fontaine move his office, but the director had simply replied, â€Å"Not on the rear.† Fontaine was not a man to be found on the back end of anything. Midge pulled apart the blinds. She stared out at the hills. Sighing ruefully, she let her eyes fall toward the spot where Crypto stood. Midge had always felt comforted by the sight of the Crypto dome-a glowing beacon regardless of the hour. But tonight, as she gazed out, there was no comfort. Instead she found herself staring into a void. As she pressed her face to the glass, she was gripped by a wild, girlish panic. Below her there was nothing but blackness. Crypto had disappeared! Chapter 57 The Crypto bathrooms had no windows, and the darkness surrounding Susan Fletcher was absolute. She stood dead still for a moment trying to get her bearings, acutely aware of the growing sense of panic gripping her body. The horrible cry from the ventilation shaft seemed to hang all around her. Despite her effort to fight off a rising sense of dread, fear swept across her flesh and took control. In a flurry of involuntary motion, Susan found herself groping wildly across stall doors and sinks. Disoriented, she spun through the blackness with her hands out in front of her and tried to picture the room. She knocked over a garbage can and found herself against a tiled wall. Following the wall with her hand, she scrambled toward the exit and fumbled for the door handle. She pulled it open and stumbled out onto the Crypto floor. There she froze for a second time. The Crypto floor looked nothing like it had just moments ago. TRANSLTR was a gray silhouette against the faint twilight coming in through the dome. All of the overhead lighting was dead. Not even the electronic keypads on the doors were glowing. As Susan's eyes became accustomed to the dark, she saw that the only light in Crypto was coming through the open trapdoor-a faint red glow from the utility lighting below. She moved toward it. There was the faint smell of ozone in the air. When she made it to the trapdoor, she peered into the hole. The freon vents were still belching swirling mist through the redness, and from the higher-pitched drone of the generators, Susan knew Crypto was running on backup power. Through the mist she could make out Strathmore standing on the platform below. He was leaning over the railing and staring into the depths of TRANSLTR's rumbling shaft. â€Å"Commander!† There was no response. Susan eased onto the ladder. The hot air from below rushed in under her skirt. The rungs were slippery with condensation. She set herself down on the grated landing. â€Å"Commander?† Strathmore did not turn. He continued staring down with a blank look of shock, as if in a trance. Susan followed his gaze over the banister. For a moment she could see nothing except wisps of steam. Then suddenly she saw it. A figure. Six stories below. It appeared briefly in the billows of steam. There it was again. A tangled mass of twisted limbs. Lying ninety feet below them, Phil Chartrukian was sprawled across the sharp iron fins of the main generator. His body was darkened and burned. His fall had shorted out Crypto's main power supply. But the most chilling image of all was not of Chartrukian but of someone else, another body, halfway down the long staircase, crouched, hiding in the shadows. The muscular frame was unmistakable. It was Greg Hale. Chapter 58 The punk screamed at Becker, â€Å"Megan belongs to my friend Eduardo! You stay away from her!† â€Å"Where is she?† Becker's heart was racing out of control. â€Å"Fuck you!† â€Å"It's an emergency!† Becker snapped. He grabbed the kid's sleeve. â€Å"She's got a ring that belongs tome. I'll pay her for it! A lot!† Two-Tone stopped dead and burst into hysterics. â€Å"You mean that ugly, gold piece of shit is yours?† Becker's eyes widened. â€Å"You've seen it?† Two-Tone nodded coyly. â€Å"Where is it?† Becker demanded. â€Å"No clue.† Two-Tone chuckled. â€Å"Megan was up here trying to hock it.† â€Å"She was trying to sell it?† â€Å"Don't worry, man, she didn't have any luck. You've got shitty taste in jewelry.† â€Å"Are you sure nobody bought it?† â€Å"Are you shitting me? For four hundred bucks? I told her I'd give her fifty, but she wanted more. She was trying to buy a plane ticket-standby.† Becker felt the blood drain from his face. â€Å"Whereto?† â€Å"Fuckin' Connecticut,† Two-tone snapped. â€Å"Eddie's bummin'.† â€Å"Connecticut?† â€Å"Shit, yeah. Going back to Mommy and Daddy's mansion in the burbs. Hated her Spanish homestay family. Three Spic brothers always hitting on her. No fucking hot water.† Becker felt a knot rise in his throat. â€Å"When is she leaving?† Two-Tone looked up. â€Å"When?† He laughed. â€Å"She's long gone by now. Went to the airport hours ago. Best spot to hock the ring-rich tourists and shit. Once she got the cash, she was flying out.† A dull nausea swept through Becker's gut. This is some kind of sick joke, isn't it? He stood a long moment. â€Å"What's her last name?† Two-Tone pondered the question and shrugged. â€Å"What flight was she taking?† â€Å"She said something about the Roach Coach.† â€Å"Roach Coach?† â€Å"Yeah. Weekend red-eye-Seville, Madrid, La Guardia. That's what they call it. College kids take it 'cause it's cheap. Guess they sit in back and smoke roaches.† Great. Becker groaned, running a hand through his hair. â€Å"What time did it leave?† â€Å"Two a.m. sharp, every Saturday night. She's somewhere over the Atlantic by now.† Becker checked his watch. It read 1:45 p.m. He turned to Two-Tone, confused. â€Å"You said it's a two a.m. flight?† The punk nodded, laughing. â€Å"Looks like you're fucked, ol' man.† Becker pointed angrily to his watch. â€Å"But it's only quarter to two!† Two-Tone eyed the watch, apparently puzzled. â€Å"Well, I'll be damned.† he laughed. â€Å"I'm usually not this buzzed till four a.m.!† â€Å"What's the fastest way to the airport?† Becker snapped. â€Å"Taxi stand out front.† Becker grabbed a 1,000-peseta note from his pocket and stuff edit in Two-Tone's hand. â€Å"Hey, man, thanks!† the punk called after him. â€Å"If you see Megan, tell her I said hi!† But Becker was already gone. Two-Tone sighed and staggered back toward the dance floor. He was too drunk to notice the man in wire-rim glasses following him. Outside, Becker scanned the parking lot for a taxi. There was none. He ran over to a stocky bouncer. â€Å"Taxi!† The bouncer shook his head. â€Å"Demasiado temprano. Too early.† Too early? Becker swore. It's two o'clock in the morning! â€Å"Pidame uno! Call me one!† The man pulled out a walkie-talkie. He said a few words and then signed off. â€Å"Veinte minutos,† he offered. â€Å"Twenty minutes?!† Becker demanded. â€Å"Y elautobus?† The bouncer shrugged. â€Å"Forty-five minutos.† Becker threw up his hands. Perfect! The sound of a small engine turned Becker's head. It sounded like a chainsaw. A big kid and his chain-clad date pulled into the parking lot on an old Vespa 250 motorcycle. The girl's skirt had blown high on her thighs. She didn't seem to notice. Becker dashed over. I can't believe I'm doing this, he thought. I hate motorcycles. He yelled to the driver. â€Å"I'll pay you ten thousand pesetas to take me to the airport!† The kid ignored him and killed the engine. â€Å"Twenty thousand!† Becker blurted. â€Å"I need to get to the airport!† The kid looked up. â€Å"Scusi?† He was Italian. â€Å"Aeroporto! Per favore. Sulla Vespa! Venti mille pesete!† The Italian eyed his crummy, little bike and laughed. â€Å"Venti mille pesete? La Vespa?† â€Å"Cinquanta mille! Fifty thousand!† Becker offered. It was about four hundred dollars. The Italian laughed doubtfully. â€Å"Dov'e la plata? Where's the cash?† Becker pulled five 10,000-peseta notes from his pocket and held them out. The Italian looked at the money and then at his girlfriend. The girl grabbed the cash and stuffed it in her blouse. â€Å"Grazie!† the Italian beamed. He tossed Becker the keys to his Vespa. Then he grabbed his girlfriend's hand, and they ran off laughing into the building. â€Å"Aspetta!† Becker yelled. â€Å"Wait! I wanted a ride!†